Sedra 3500 - Needle Wheel Required?

[Zarstar]

So this may be a bit of a reach...

Does anyone know if the Sedra pumps with a venturi will work for a skimmer without the needle wheel? I have tried searching and can't get the needle wheel assembly without going to the US and the price quickly adds up to around $100. I can however get the regular impeller assembly in Canada for around $30. I have a venturi for it but i have no idea if it would work as a skimmer pump without the needle wheel.

Anyone with experience or insight - your help is appreciated!