I taught them to say "Chino" when I take their photo.Can we see? Is it cement or a stock-tank? The rounded bottom with gravel looks really good, and safe for "energetic" critters.
Ugly is relative, better than smelling fish or feeding racoons
I wanna see your filter re-entry, too - the bubble/splash is great from underwater.
Re. (fantastic) pics: are you submerging a running GoPro or have tamed the fish so you can take the images?
GoneMay have overlooked this info in the thread so far but are they alone in the pond now? Mahseer all gone?