A needle wheel skimmer has a pump with a modified impeller that has little sticks on it to beat the air entering the skimmer from the venturi and the water from the pump into very fine bubbles. http://www.championlighting.com/pics...0_impeller.jpg
Also, in response to rcombs, I was told the same thing when I entered the hobby, but after buying a skimmer I can confidentally say no reefer should be without one. I have seen very noticable changes in water quality and improved overal health of my system.