DIY Skimmer Questions

[bogey]

I need to replace my grossly undersized skimmer and I am seriously contemplating building one. I have around 350 gallons total system volume, and I believe my system needs one rated at a minimum of around 500-600 gallons. I just can't see the value in spending $1800 for a Deltec or something similar when one could be made for much, much less.

Would a 3/16" wall thickness be thick enough to hold the recirculating pumps? What would be the best diameter for the skimmer body where the height of the skimmer body would be maybe three feet tall not including the neck and collection cup? I have located a company who supplies acrylic tube in large diameters. I think 12" would be the largest diameter I would consider (and that may be overkill). I also found a company that makes cone shapes and has provided instructions and a drawing of how to make your own (although making one may be well above my skill level and not necessarily needed).

[Doug1]

Have you checked the DIY forum, Geoff has posted a lot about homeskimmers, for the size you are contemplating maybe an Eductor driven unit would work, those all also covered there as well

[bogey]

Doug, I did not check it. Perhaps these posts would be better if placed in that forum. Would you or another of the mods mind moving it? Thanks.