Long, Narrow Footprint
The rectangular form can fit fountain arrangements that do not need the width of a large round or square reservoir.
Artesian AquaBox® Rectangular Fountain Reservoir Basin – 66 Gallon
$708.57
(No reviews yet)
Write a Review
Write a Review
Artesian AquaBox® Rectangular Fountain Reservoir Basin – 66 Gallon
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!
• Suitable for large and multiple fountains
• Rectangular 52.75” x 28.75” x 16” h
• 66-gallon capacity
• Maximum static load 1500 lbs.
• Weighs approximately 70 lbs.
Rectangular concealed fountain reservoir
Artesian AquaBox®
Build a clean, pond-free fountain display on a long rectangular foundation. The U.S.-made Artesian AquaBox® combines a 66-gallon reservoir, an integrated structural form and a one-piece grate rated for up to 1,500 pounds of static load.
Before you order: This is the basin and grate assembly, not a complete fountain kit. The fountain piece, pump, tubing, fittings, decorative stone, electrical service and site materials are sold or provided separately. This model does not include or offer an auto-fill option.
52.75 × 28.75 × 16 in.Overall basin size
66 gallonsReservoir capacity
Up to 1,500 lb.Maximum static load
Approx. 70 lb.Basin with grate
A Purpose-Built Base for Rectangular Fountain Layouts
Concealed Recirculation
The reservoir houses the water reserve and separately selected pump below the finished surface, creating the look of a fountain without an open pond.
Access Planned Your Way
The grate has no factory pump-access panel. You choose the opening location and size to suit the pump, plumbing and future service plan.
Important installation detail
Custom-Cut Pump Access Gives You More Layout Flexibility
The one-piece grate arrives without a removable access door. Before the fountain and finishing stone are installed, mark and cut a service opening with a reciprocating saw (Sawzall) or another suitable cutting tool. Because the opening is not preassigned, it can be positioned where it best serves the equipment layout and sized for the selected pump.
- Place access near the side from which the pump will be serviced.
- Allow enough room to disconnect, lift and replace the pump—not just reach it.
- Keep the opening clear of fountain load points and preserve adequate grate support.
Plan before cutting: Remove the grate from the basin, confirm the fountain footprint and pump dimensions, and test the complete access plan before adding decorative stone. Blue Thumb’s general warranty says post-purchase modifications can affect coverage; confirm the approved cutting method and grate coverage with the Sales/Tech Team before making the opening.
Model limitation
Need Auto-Fill? Choose a Different Basin
The Artesian AquaBox® does not include an auto-fill fitting and is not offered with an auto-fill option. Water must be added manually as evaporation and splash lower the reservoir level.
If automatic water-level control is part of your project plan, choose another Blue Thumb reservoir before ordering. Compare the 48-inch Achelous AquaBox®, the 52-inch Altum AquaBox®, or browse all fountain basins.
What Comes with the AB28AB
Rectangular Reservoir Basin
Molded medium-density polyethylene basin with an integrated structural form for supporting the grate and fountain installation.
One-Piece Grate Top
The full grate measures 47.5 × 23.75 × 2.75 inches and supports the fountain and finishing material above the reservoir.
Fountain, Pump & Plumbing
Choose the fountain feature, pump, tubing and fittings for the desired flow, vertical lift and plumbing layout. Shop fountain pumps.
No Auto-Fill Option
The AB28AB must be filled manually. If automatic water-level control is required, select another basin from the Blue Thumb fountain-reservoir collection.
Splash Management
The customizable 76-inch-square Splash Apron extends beyond the basin to help capture overspray and return water toward the reservoir.
Decorative Pebbles
The product specification recommends approximately two to three 40-pound bags. Choose black polished pebbles or mixed polished pebbles.
Artesian AquaBox® Specifications
Item / SKU: AB28AB
Overall dimensions: 52.75 in. L × 28.75 in. W × 16 in. H
Full grate dimensions: 47.5 in. L × 23.75 in. W × 2.75 in. H
Grate configuration: One-piece grate; field-cut pump access
Reservoir capacity: 66 gal.
Maximum static load: Up to 1,500 lb.
Approximate dry weight: 70 lb. for basin with grate
Primary material: Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
Installation position: In-ground or planned above-ground installation
Manufacturing: Made in the USA
Is the Artesian the Right Basin for Your Fountain?
Choose the Artesian when its 52.75-by-28.75-inch rectangular footprint fits the fountain arrangement and finished site better than a round or square basin. Confirm the fountain’s base dimensions, total static weight, point-load locations, pump size, expected flow and splash pattern. Water must return to the 47.5-by-23.75-inch grate area rather than landing beyond the reservoir.
The 1,500-pound rating is a maximum static load, not the only sizing factor. A fountain can still be a poor fit if its weight is concentrated away from the basin’s molded support structure or if the display sends too much water outside the collection area.
Installation Planning at a Glance
This overview is for project planning. Final site preparation, fountain placement, plumbing and electrical work should follow the instructions for every selected component and applicable local requirements.
Confirm the Layout
Mark the complete basin footprint, fountain load points, plumbing route, pump location, electrical-service side and intended custom access opening.
Prepare a Level Base
Remove sharp material, compact the site and support the basin evenly. Allow working room around the full 52.75-by-28.75-inch outside footprint.
Set & Check the Basin
Place the empty reservoir in its planned position, verify that it is fully supported and level, and review the service side before backfilling or concealing it.
Cut Pump Access
With the grate removed, mark an opening that lets the chosen pump pass through and leaves practical space for future disconnection, removal and replacement.
Plumb, Fill & Test
Install the separately selected pump and plumbing, fill with clean water, check for leaks and test the flow and water return before adding finishing materials.
Finish for Serviceability
Add decorative stone while keeping the field-cut access area identifiable and removable. Do not bury the only practical path to the pump.
Electrical and seasonal care: Use a properly installed GFCI-protected power source and disconnect power before reaching into the reservoir or servicing equipment. Freezing-weather care depends on the selected fountain, pump and plumbing; follow each component’s instructions.
Routine Care
Maintain the Water Level Manually
Check the reservoir regularly and replace water lost to evaporation and splash so the pump stays submerged and operates according to its instructions. This model does not offer an auto-fill option.
Keep Water Return Clear
Remove leaves, mulch and sediment from the finished surface and reservoir as needed. Make sure stone and debris do not block water from returning through the grate.
Protect Access
Keep the custom service opening reachable, disconnect power before maintenance and inspect the pump and plumbing on the schedule specified by their manufacturers.
Product Resources
Use the current documents for final dimensions and published warranty terms.
Want Help Planning the Custom Access Opening?
Blue Thumb’s Sales/Tech Team can help review the fountain footprint, weight distribution, pump selection, service-opening size and location, plumbing plan and site before you cut the grate or complete the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key details to confirm before choosing equipment and preparing the site.
Is the Artesian AquaBox a complete fountain kit?
No. The AB28AB listing is for the rectangular reservoir basin and one-piece grate. The fountain feature, pump, tubing, fittings, decorative stone, electrical service, site materials and labor are sold or provided separately. This model does not include or offer an auto-fill option.
Does the grate include a pump-access panel?
No. The one-piece grate does not have a factory pump-access panel or cover. The installer custom cuts the access area with a reciprocating saw (Sawzall) or another suitable tool before the fountain and decorative stone are placed.
Where can the pump-access opening go?
The opening is not locked to a factory position, so it can be planned where it best serves the pump and plumbing layout. Place it where service is practical, size it so the pump can be removed and replaced, and keep it clear of fountain load points. Confirm the final cut plan with Blue Thumb when load placement or warranty coverage is uncertain.
How do I know whether this basin fits my fountain?
Check the complete 52.75-by-28.75-inch basin footprint, the 47.5-by-23.75-inch grate area, fountain base dimensions, total weight, point-load locations and expected splash pattern. The fountain must be securely supported and its water must return to the reservoir.
Does the basin include a pump?
No. Select the pump according to the fountain’s required flow, vertical lift, tubing size and desired water effect—not the basin capacity alone. Blue Thumb can help match the pump and plumbing.
Can the Artesian AquaBox be installed above ground?
The product specification states that the basin may be installed in ground or above ground depending on the desired fountain elevation. An above-ground installation still requires a stable, fully supported structural and finish plan; ask Blue Thumb to review unusual applications.
How many decorative pebbles should I plan for?
The product specification recommends approximately two to three 40-pound bags of polished pebbles. Actual coverage varies with stone size, placement and finish depth. Pebbles are sold separately.
Can I add an auto-fill system to this basin?
No. The Artesian AquaBox® does not include an auto-fill fitting and is not offered with an auto-fill option. The reservoir must be topped off manually. If automatic water-level control is required, compare Blue Thumb’s other fountain basins before ordering.
What warranty applies?
Blue Thumb’s current general warranty lists a lifetime warranty for Blue Thumb-branded engineered plastic components, including AquaBox® fountain basin reservoirs, for the original purchaser against manufacturing defects. Published conditions require proper installation and state that post-purchase modifications can void coverage. Because this product requires a field-cut service opening, confirm the approved cutting method and grate coverage with Blue Thumb before cutting. Review the current warranty document for complete terms.
