Help with 6" DIY PVC Skimmer

[lakee911]

I want to build my own skimmer. Here is the criteria, it needs to be gravity fed, external to my sump, gavity drain to the sump, at least 30 tall, supports 120Gal bioload but be good for up to 300G later.

I'd like to follow RandyStacyE's design here: http://randystacye.com/diy_needle_wheel_skimmer.htm

However, I'm not sure about the base of the skimmer. I was thinking of using something like this: http://www.murrayequipment.com/itemi...f=PVC&Part=F6S but it's almost $30! Maybe screw it down to plywood? How do I seal the end? Anything better to provide a good base?

I'd like the height to be around 36" for the body.

What kind of recirc pump should I use? I don't want to spend more than say $120 on it. Not looking to mod it at this point (maybe later).

What height should I feed the skimmer? It'll be from the overflow. Effluent near the bottom, so feed from the top?

Probably will build a collect cup similiar to that in the design, but I need to provide an autowaste container. Anything more heavy duty?

Thanks
Jason

[lakee911]

Last night in the kitchen, I believe I found my collection cup. I don't think I can 'borrow' it, so I'll have to get another. They're acrylic storage containers. Pretty cheap, and pretty sturdy. Sealable lid too.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...3572526&RN=204