Take a pic or two of your area and go to this site
http://www.gardenpondforum.com/forum/3-garden-pond-forums/
They will give you answers to about all your questions concerning ponds/stream/pumps/water gardens, etc

I am like Paul, pic's would be nice, but I think when you start putting the pencil to this project you interest will change.

My daughter wanted to do something like this, She already had a bunch of expensive rock work done before I found out about it and told her she could not afford to operate a project like this. Now she has a very nice rock pond full of green water and leaves.( Her project was larger than yours)

I would suggest small pools with much less flow running from one pool to the other, or just work with the hole at one end and maybe have a small waterfall. The water would need some type of filter, fish and water plants would help give a more pleasant look.

Larry

Try looking up "pondless waterfall"... I think that might be more similar to what you are describing than "fake river" and you might find some useful info applicable to what you are trying to build.

We had a small pond for many years and it was not terribly expensive - it was only about 6x6, though, so smaller than you want to have. The initial kit was something like $400-500, I think, and that was complete with pump, filter boxes, liner, tubing,etc. I'm sure you can find the single parts you need much less expensively. The pump was very efficient so didn't cost much in terms of electricity to run. We have a swimming pool at our new house - talk about operating cost eating you alive! Whew! :)