Welcome bdog. I'm originally from Muleshoe.

I PERSONALLY would make it about an acre and 10-12 ft in that area. An acre is about the size of a football field and one inch of water over that acre is 27,000 gallons. So, that acre is a lot to keep filled.

I've never done any good with bentonite but others have. I know that liners are danged expensive.

Look for captwho on here. He purchased a polymer spray to line his pond around Heber Arizona which is also sandy soil.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa