GhostFish,
I fully understand about temp tanks. When we moved from Dallas to Atlanta 4 years ago I build a temp tank that was 8x8x4 on the patio. It held over 1000 gallons. I filtered if with a Nexus. It held our pond for 18 months while I built our current pond. The current pond is 10x16x8. There were two areas where I had help...had someone use a backhoe and dumptruck to get he excaavation done...and got a few club members over to help install the liner. All the concrete, blockwork, plumbing, electric work...I did. My point is...if I can do all that...you can also!!!
Take time to do research. Volunteer to help other club members build ponds. Ask questions. Draft plans and show them to club members for comeents. Do that over and over. It is much easier to fix something on paper than when it is in poured concrete.