Hey Andy. You will likely get more responses on the United Kingdom version of this forum. They seem to have more over there than we do here, but I'll give a try to a few possibilities. You don't say how the clay was compacted or if any Montmillorite (Bentonite) clay was used. If there was an inclusion (a different type of soil or roots) that could easily be where the leak is located. We just had a discussion about puddling clay on this forum a few weeks ago for a pond and much info came from sites about Dew ponds in the U.K. One of the most common locations for leaks was the top edge of the pond which could act as a wick if it was not constructed properly. I never had much luck with using dyes in the water to find a leak. It mixed much too quickly. One material I have found useful was a handful of fine, dry, powdered clay scattered on the surface. Calcium Bentonite is quite good for this since it can be purchased as a fish tonic or cosmetic base as well as a construction material. If the water is reasonably clear it should work well for you. If not, it needs rethinking. Some one suggested dry milk powder to me. I didn't try it but it sounded reasonable and would be inexpensive. The Bentonite should be available at home and garden supply stores or through a well digger, which is where I found it. The added advantage is that the Bentonite can be used to seal the leak when you find it. Check on this forum for the Puddling Clay thread and do a search for Dew ponds, one of which is linked in the puddling thread. Sandy Here is a link that might be useful: Puddling clay

That depends on your pond. Most refuges are large enough for several fish at a time. Those are mostly overhangs in 12 to 20 inches of water. Sections of 4 to 6 inch flexible pipe works. It should be at least 18 inches long. Ceramic pipe works and cracked pieces are available at less cost. Large slabs of rock laid on top of cement block are good. Fish can hide in the most amazing places. You would never believe how many can crowd into a section of pipe. Large pots with a hole in them or placed on their side work. Plastic pots need a brick in them to make them stay in place. I don't recommend plastic crates. I have lost fish who get stuck and injured on sharp edges. They don't seem to realize they have grown too large or they forget in their panic or excitement. There are lots of different ways to make a hiding place. I'm sure other posters have much better suggestions. I'm not feeling too sharp today. Why don't you start a new thread on the subject?

I am interested in this as well. We have a small basal column and I refuse to dig up the pathway to run electricity to it. I'd love to find a powerful enough solar pump under $100, but I've looked everywhere.

Tomato David, Congrats on your new property! Sounds like you will have some very nice soil by next year. My wife is looking forward to having a big chunk of wildflowers all around the house. Being Japanese, she is not as into having a patch of green grass as I am (although I just want a little one). 'Pup, I was thinking about the weeds, and decided totake a number of different approaches. One is to thin by cutting most of them off at the base and leaving them to rot in place. A second is to pull and mulch the desirable plants near them. The third is to cut, carry, and compost them. I am not too worried about bare ground, the vetch and other plants are spreading like wildfire. Now I have found some serious bamboo coming out of a few roots that got left behind. They are all pencil thin whips this year, but I don't want them to get established where they are now. I have a space set aside for them at the bottom of the hill, surrounded by a 50cm ditch. On the other hand, I have harvested a lot of cucumbers already! It was fun, walking around, then seeing a beautiful straight eight cucumber hanging from a vine climbing a lambsquarter! I found a lot more after that. But you really have to look for them in all that jungle. Eric in Japan Here is a link that might be useful: