Here is a Video
Here are INSTRUCTIONS

how does the air enter?
is it sucked through a vortex at the pump's intake?

YES

oh cool

Very cool.

Thanks for sharing

If anyone builds this please let me know. Thanks

Seams neat. So both air and water enter through the hole at the top?

Yes

thats a pretty ingenious diy, but how do you control how it skims? there doesnt seem a way to control it....it just does its thing.....loudly.....

You can adjust it a bit by changeing the depth of the intake for more water or more air. Also the size of the hole in the intake can change the way it works. Once its set up the way you like it there is no need to change it. I have my intake approximately 1/2" under the water and it gets a good mix of air and water. Yes it is loud.

props on making your own skimmer, but would be best if you can make this silent, or quieter

i like the use of "spare parts" cuz im sure i can dig up an old AC and use it for its impeller, but maybe a minijet (stock biocube pump) or something similar can be used....maybe even fitted with a mesh wheel....

if i come across a biocube skimmer for the cheap (free) im gonna try this DIY...

its loud, but you still deserve mad props......

how bout a pic of the skimmate this thing produces?

I think there are many ways you could build one of these skimmers.
Here is the skim-mate produced in a few days. This was from the first 4 days it was in the tank including brake in period of 14 hours.
Click to view attachment