While it is definitely a low budget skimmer, it appears to be adequate, but there's no way of really knowing how effective it would be. A protein skimmer is, IMO, such an important piece of equipment, particularly if you intend to have a reef as opposed to a fish only marine tank, I'd say that you ought to spend a whole lot more on a well-proven and recommended skimmer. Of course, if it is going to be a fish only tank and your budget is very limited, you could take a chance with it.