When compacting dirt the amount of soil moisture in the dirt is another variable for how well the clay compacts. You can probably build a 1/3 ac pond for 5K but if it leaks what good is a 1/2 full pond? You have a $5,000.00 headache.
Well put Bill and I think it points out regional differences, cultures, and terrain/geological differences. I guess we have a habit of picturing someone else's situation in our own boots based on our own experiences in our own area. In my area 5K would get a pond that size dug in short order with landscaping, he needs an overflow installed so I suspect it's being built on a creek or watershed, hopefully that helps with the type of material he needs.
Cheers.
