I have a 75 with an aquaclear 110 and a cheap redsea prizm skimmer,tank is loaded with softies and some montipora and digitata,have been running it this way for around 5 yrs no problems,I think it all depends on your bioload,if you want a tank packed with fish then I think you would have to go another route.5 gallon water change every 2 weeks,using reef crystals salt.

I have a 72g bowfront no sump, psk100 eshopps hob skimmer, cpr hob refugium (the larger size) with cheato in it. I do a 10 gallon wc weekly

Sumpless/skimmer less
 

Yep a hob filter is fine to go sumpless and skimmer less. Even a canister filter is fine as long as you keep it clean.