I broke down and ordered a new controller for my skimmer pump, so it looks like I'll be skimmerless for just a week or so. But, while panicking about it I did some research, and there seems to be a lot of controversy out there. There are people who run successful reef tanks (including SPS dominated ones) without a skimmer, and swear by it. Most seem to do it once the tank is mature and packed with corals.

I also found this article which made me rethink the whole skimmer story:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature

I ran skimmer less on a 55g QT for a few months thinking I didn't need it. I wasn't happy with the way two (separate)fish went through it taking 6 weeks each and still mediocre going to display.
Added me good ol skimmer for that tank and I have so much more oxygenation and my fish are far more lively. Have an orange shoulder that will be going in display after only being in QT for 3 weeks because he's so much stronger.
Have mp40 in 55g QT on max for the record. Still with skimmer seemed better
Go skimmer or go home.