Aquascape Fire and Water Spillway Basin
$1,979.99
Water Matrix for Basins - Basin Matrix
$69.99 - $79.99
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!
Small Matrix — WMSM17
• Dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 9.5" H
• Water Volume: 17 Gallons
Large Matrix — WMLG34
• Dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 17.5" H
• Water Volume: 32 Gallons
• Designed for pond-less waterfall reservoirs
• Over 3× more water storage per cubic foot than traditional gravel
• Includes the selected 8-panel matrix assembly
• Pump, Pump Canyon, liner, and plumbing sold separately
• View Blue Thumb Warranty Terms
Small Matrix — WMSM17
• Dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 9.5" H
• Water Volume: 17 Gallons
Large Matrix — WMLG34
• Dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 17.5" H
• Water Volume: 32 Gallons
• Designed for pond-less waterfall reservoirs
• Over 3× more water storage per cubic foot than traditional gravel
• Includes the selected 8-panel matrix assembly
• Pump, Pump Canyon, liner, and plumbing sold separately
• View Blue Thumb Warranty Terms
Pond-Less Waterfall Reservoir Components
Basin Matrix Water Storage Boxes
Create a higher-capacity underground reservoir for your pond-less waterfall without filling the entire basin with traditional gravel. Our Basin Matrix boxes provide open water-storage space beneath the finished rockwork, helping you maximize reservoir volume while reducing excavation and heavy stone handling.
Choose from two sizes to match your waterfall layout. Each modular matrix assembles from eight interlocking panels and works with a properly lined reservoir and separate pump-access system.
Small Matrix 17 Gallons
Large Matrix 32 Gallons
Footprint Per Box 26.5" × 16"
Application Pond-Less Basins
More Water Storage. Less Gravel.
Traditional gravel reservoirs contain significant amounts of stone between relatively small pockets of water. Basin Matrix replaces much of that gravel with an open structural grid designed to store substantially more water in the same underground space.
More Water in the Reservoir
Basin Matrix provides approximately 7.4 gallons of water-storage space per cubic foot, compared with approximately 2.2 gallons per cubic foot for a traditional gravel-filled reservoir.
That is more than three times the available water-storage volume per cubic foot.
Efficient Basin Construction
Our matrix system can replace up to 90% of the gravel traditionally used in a cascading waterfall reservoir, reducing the amount of heavy stone needed within the basin.
The modular layout also helps when designing tighter spaces or positioning the end of a waterfall directly over the underground reservoir.
The additional storage volume can help reduce the frequency of manual refilling caused by evaporation and splash loss. Actual refill needs depend on the complete waterfall design and operating conditions.
Choose Your Basin Matrix Size
Both sizes share the same length and width. The Large Matrix provides additional storage through its greater height. Select the appropriate size using your planned basin depth, available footprint, and total system water requirements.
| Model | Item Number | Dimensions | Water Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Matrix | WMSM17 | 26.5" L × 16" W × 9.5" H | 17 gallons |
| Large Matrix | WMLG34 | 26.5" L × 16" W × 17.5" H | 32 gallons |
Small Basin Matrix
Item number: WMSM17
Dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 9.5" H
Water volume: 17 gallons
Large Basin Matrix
Item number: WMLG34
Dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 17.5" H
Water volume: 32 gallons
Planning Your Underground Reservoir
Matrix capacity is only one part of reservoir sizing. Your complete system must also accommodate the water circulating through the waterfall and stream, the required pump operating level, and the selected Pump Canyon.
For larger waterfalls, multiple matrix boxes may be incorporated into the reservoir layout. We recommend planning the complete basin before excavation.
What's Included With Each Matrix
Each Basin Matrix is supplied as an eight-panel modular assembly. The panel configuration varies by the size selected.
Small Matrix — WMSM17
- 2 large panels
- 2 small side panels
- 4 end/center support panels
Eight panels assemble into one 17-gallon matrix box.
Large Matrix — WMLG34
- 4 large side panels
- 4 end/center support panels
Eight panels assemble into one 32-gallon matrix box.
Matrix Boxes Are Sold Separately From the Complete System
This listing is for the selected Basin Matrix assembly, not a complete pond-less waterfall kit. A complete installation also requires appropriately selected components such as a pump, Pump Canyon, liner, protective underlayment, plumbing, waterfall spillway, and finishing materials.
Explore our Pump Canyons and Reservoir Components or shop our Pond-Less Waterfall Systems .
How Basin Matrix Works in a Pond-Less Waterfall
Basin Matrix creates open water-storage space within the underground reservoir of a pond-less waterfall. The boxes sit within a properly lined excavation and are covered with decorative gravel and rockwork.
A separate Pump Canyon provides access to the submersible pump. The pump sends water through flexible PVC plumbing to the waterfall spillway. Water travels down the stream, passes through the finished rock-covered basin, and returns to the matrix reservoir for continuous recirculation.
For compact installations that combine the reservoir and pump-access chamber into one product, see our Canyon Matrix . It is a different product from the individual Basin Matrix boxes on this page.
Installation Overview
The following steps summarize how matrix boxes fit into a pond-less waterfall installation. Always follow the applicable official assembly and system installation guides.
Plan the Basin Layout
Determine the quantity and size of matrix boxes needed. Lay out the proposed reservoir and Pump Canyon positions before excavating. Account for the complete system footprint, basin depth, and future pump access.
Assemble the Matrix Boxes
Join the supplied panels using the assembly pattern for your selected size. Begin with a large panel on a solid surface, position the support panels, and press the remaining panels into place while maintaining alignment.
The Small and Large Matrix use different panel arrangements. Refer to the assembly guide for the correct configuration.
Prepare the Lined Reservoir
Excavate the basin according to the complete system design. Install protective underlayment followed by the rubber liner. Position the Pump Canyon where the pump can be accessed for maintenance.
Place the assembled matrix boxes within the lined basin around the Pump Canyon, following the appropriate installation plan.
Finish and Test the Waterfall
Cover the matrix boxes with suitable decorative gravel that will not fall through the grid openings. Complete the waterfall plumbing and rockwork, fill the reservoir, and test the recirculating system.
Check for escaping water and verify that the pump maintains the required operating water level.
Water Levels and Seasonal Care
Basin Matrix increases the available underground storage volume, but it does not eliminate water loss from evaporation or splashing.
Regularly check the water level at the Pump Canyon, inspect the stream for debris that could redirect water, and keep the pump and plumbing maintained according to their instructions.
For additional convenience, a compatible Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit can be installed with an appropriate Blue Thumb Pump Canyon. The auto-fill equipment is sold separately and is not installed directly into the Basin Matrix.
When shutting down a pond-less waterfall for winter, follow the seasonal maintenance guide for your complete system. Our published guidance recommends maintaining water within the underground basin during winter rather than draining it completely.
Product Resources and Installation Guides
Use these Blue Thumb resources to plan your reservoir, assemble the matrix boxes, and maintain the finished waterfall.
Basin Matrix and Pond-Less Waterfall Videos
See how our matrix and related pond-less waterfall components fit together during installation. The videos include assembly guidance and demonstrations of the complete waterfall system.
Equipment shown in complete-system videos may be sold separately from this Basin Matrix listing.
Basin Matrix Assembly and Installation Tips
Assembly reference for the modular Basin Matrix water-storage system.
Pond-Less Waterfall Installation
A related installation reference from our pond-less waterfall pages.
Pump Canyon Overview
Related information about the pump-access component used with our matrix reservoir systems.
DIY Cascading Falls Kit
A complete-system video from our cascading waterfall product family.
Pond-Less Waterfall Tips
Additional guidance for planning and maintaining a pond-less waterfall installation.
Need Help Planning Your Waterfall Basin?
Not sure how many matrix boxes your project needs or which Pump Canyon is the right fit? Our Sales/Tech Team can help you plan your reservoir and select the appropriate components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Basin Matrix used for?
Basin Matrix creates open underground water-storage space in pond-less waterfall reservoirs. It replaces much of the traditional gravel inside the basin, allowing more water to be stored beneath the finished decorative rockwork.
How many Basin Matrix boxes do I need?
The quantity depends on your waterfall and stream dimensions, the amount of water circulating through the feature, your pump requirements, and the available basin footprint.
Multiple matrix boxes may be used in one reservoir. We recommend planning the complete system before selecting the quantity.
Can I mix Small and Large Matrix boxes?
Both sizes are used in Blue Thumb pond-less waterfall systems, and some system configurations use a combination of Small and Large Matrix boxes.
Follow your specific system layout and installation instructions rather than assuming every combination is suitable for your project.
Does the Basin Matrix include a pump or Pump Canyon?
No. This listing is for the selected Basin Matrix assembly. The pump, Pump Canyon, liner, plumbing, waterfall spillway, and other system components are separate.
If you are planning a new waterfall, explore our complete pond-less systems or contact our team for component selection assistance.
Do I still need gravel when using Basin Matrix?
Yes. Basin Matrix replaces much of the gravel traditionally used for underground water storage, but the finished reservoir still uses decorative gravel and rockwork.
Our installation instructions specify using gravel large enough that it will not fall through the openings in the matrix boxes.
Does Basin Matrix need to be assembled?
Yes. Each matrix box uses eight interlocking panels. The Small and Large versions have different panel configurations.
Follow the official assembly guide for the correct panel orientation and connection sequence.
Does Basin Matrix eliminate the need to refill my waterfall?
No. Additional water-storage capacity can help reduce refill frequency, but water is still lost through evaporation, splashing, and other operating conditions.
Check your pump operating level regularly. A compatible automatic water-fill system can help maintain the reservoir level.
Should I drain the matrix reservoir for winter?
Our pond-less waterfall maintenance guide recommends keeping the underground basin at least 50% filled during winter shutdown to help reduce freeze-thaw heaving concerns.
Follow the complete system's seasonal instructions for pump removal, cleaning, and spring startup.
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