PVC skimmer build

ok, just got an otp-3000 from a guy in a truck! so I went and bought some pvc, 4" for the body, 1.5" neck, and 3/4 junk for out and in. well im going to go souce the fittings for the pump, and was looking at how huge this thing is.. The mesh is in the mail and is going on this thing. And now Im having second thoughts after lighting the wick on this mousetrap. This pump makes alot of comotion in the little 20 gal tank i dumped it in. Will 4" pvc and the 1.5 neck gunna handle this thing? Ive got 30 or so inches to play with, I can make it taller to handle the air.. Only thing is Ive looked at the 6" pvc parts and noone carries any fittings for it.. Suggestions? Im going to take measurements and pictures along the way and put together a how to..

 

I would love to see the step by step pics. I always pondered on making a skimmer but thought there was to much science involved. Luna

 

If you can't find fittings anywhere locally, try here:
McMaster-Carr

 

hey, got the base built will get some pics up. Im wondering 2" neck or 3" neck with a 18" tall body 6" pvc with otp3000 mesh wheel???

 

I would try stepping it up from 3 to 2 inches (maybe smaller). I know the neck and top of the skimmer where the bubbles come up through is no bigger than 1-1/4 inches on my coralife superskimmer.

 

how you goin to see through it? be kind of hard i think, they sell clear acrylic pipe also you know!?!

 

yeah, I dont need to see in the thing. I just need to see in the collection cup. I know there will be bubbles in it. All I need to know is water is going in/out and skimmate is going into the cup/drain. I know acrylic is fancy and looks good, but noone here sells it, its more expensive, and id have to wait on an order to come in. Its about function not so much about form. I can set the water level by watching the skimmate right?

Bogie is your skimmer 6 inch? I know this guy used 3" on the neck but I dont have as large a pump as he does.. Mine is basically the same design.

Reef Central Online Community - DIY Skimmer Critique

 

Im still waiting for some pics. Sir, you have 14 days to produce some pics or this is going to get ugly. Luna, Pic Police, Chief

 

dood i busted the aquarium and had to get that fixed first, now Im working on the stand I put up some pics, I will work on the skimmer some today, I did glue some stuff together though.

 

well Luna, no pics yet im on vacation for a few more days! But While on vacation I scored two free tanks... One 130? gal and it is half inch glass and another 55. I wasnt even looking, it just happened like that. Two different people. weird huh, I can see it now the 130 and the 55 sump awww yeah! ;D My wife is gunna kill me with TWO stands... hehe