Thanks all for the warm welcome. I'm not really new to the site since I've been a lurker for about 4 years but as I said we finally decided to go ahead and take the plunge. On that note, CJ I have read almost all the "warnings" about crappie but the way I have it figured with them being the only self propogating species in the pond(I doubt the YP will have muc success), between the HSB and my family we should be able to keep them under control. Jeff, I don't know how you can be so perceptive just by reading my first post but my hats off to you! Theo, the container thing is a great idea and is exactly what I am going to do except instead of buckets I think I will use something larger like feed troughs or kids plastic swimming pools. One question, what is the proper soil/sand mixture for these aquatic plant? Thanks again and I'm sure I'll have more questions as the pond fills up. Jeff
