DIY protien skimmer

I've been looking for ideas on how to build a DIY protein skimmer. I've found a few threads but I am looking for more help. This will be for a 29g reef with a 10g sump/fuge. This is partly to scve money & partly for having a project to do.

-I think I would like for this to be a HOB(of the sump) skimmer to save space.
-I was thinking of using PVC, but then I won't be able to see inside the skimmer.
-What about a square skimmer(of acrylic)? Would this operate any differently just because the shape is different?
-What size pump should I use?

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/my-new-skimmer-44285.html

DIY Protein Skimmer

 

if i where you i would watch these videos i think theres 7 parts

YouTube - LA Fishguys, Episode 88 pt 1, Protein Skimmer, Jeff Macare Reef Dynamics

there realy long but they go over what makes a skimmer good i learned alot from watch these

 

Oh my gosh I hate the way the guy speaks. It makes the viewer seem like an idiot. lol. On to part two...

 

LOL i thought the same thing

i might be able to gey my hand on a diy skimmer for you for free if you would pay shipping i will talk to the lfs today

 

Sweet. Let me know what they say.

 

no problem i will pm u later on tonight

 

I recently made one of these. ( link in sig) I used PVC so u can't see into the body but i used a clear plastic jar for the neck. IMO that's the only place u need to see. The HOB part would not really need much modification, the input is from the return pump so the skimmer could be placed anywhere and the input run to it. you would have to be very careful about leaks in this case though. i would advise putting it on some egg-crate above the sump so any leaking water would fall into the sump. During research i found that square designs wont be as efficient bc a lot of bubbles would be popped.
I used about 14" of 4" PVC for the body. I use a 400gph pump on mine. I have a 80g tank and 50g sump.
Hope this helps. feel free to ask any questions.