Thanks for your input guys....
I like Bruce's idea of smaller ponds as it would allow for much more experimentation and the options of different species.
(inserting my own situation)
Only one issue I see is that 2000sqft is below the 'minimum' size (assuming a significant Canadian freeze). To even get to 15' deep, one would need 2800sqft for a 2/1 slope and it grows to 6300 sqft for a 3/1 slope. To have 50% of the surface area at 15', the numbers are twice that or 5600sqft and 12600sqft.
I do have some cold year-round springs uphill, so I will investigate what flow I can expect from them.
