Couldn't agree more with the skidloader trencher. We will definately use this approach plus chainsaw. I will check out the hoosierpondpros.com site. Vertex just emailed that the tubing should be one inch inside diameter. Also makes sense to put diffusers deep to break thermocline and degrade dead leaves and such in bottom of pond.

One other question. When pond was dug in 2012 the plan was to be 18ft deep at the dike end. That summer we had a very bad drought in this area of Iowa. Contractor got to 16ft deep and hit water (spring??) If the pond is spring fed from the bottom it should not drop and always be running out the spillway pipe at the top of the dike shouldn't it??? It drops a foot or two sometimes. Contractor says it's the best water holding pond he has ever built. Stated he would be a millionaire if he could get all his ponds to hold like ours does. I do notice all the other ponds in the area do drop a lot more than ours does. (understand I was not complaining, he is my neighbor and I'm very happy with the construction) Just don't get the whole spring fed thing.

Thanks for all the great info, love this forum.