The "ring things" should be taken out. Use some LR rubble...available at LFSs usually.
If you're getting algae growth, I'd add a single Astrea snail to help eat it. If you notice the snail can't keep up, add one more. Don't get Turbo snails...they get huge and knock your corals over.
As far as a skimmer goes...IMO definately necessary. The more you can spend the better, but definately go with a used one over a new one if money is an issue. The cheapest one I would recommend would be an AquaC Remora. You should be able to find a used one for about $100 ($200 new). A step up would be a Deltec MCE-300, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a used one. They are about $300 new.
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~ Mindy
SPS fanatic.
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