For drilled boulders, basalt columns and drilled stone. Stone not included. For a pot, urn or vase, choose the 48-Inch Fountain Conversion Kit.
48-inch Achelous AquaBox® system · SKU AB48BB
Build a substantial real-stone water feature around the boulder, basalt column or drilled rock you choose. This matched conversion kit places the reservoir below grade and supplies the basin, pump, support system and plumbing needed to recirculate water through the stone.
Complete recirculating system; drilled stone sold separatelyChoose the correct 48-inch conversion kit
The two 48-inch conversion kits use the same size Achelous AquaBox® reservoir and the same listed pump flow, but their fountain-end plumbing is different. Choose by what will sit above the basin—not by the basin size alone.
Choose this kit when water will travel through a drilled hole in a natural-stone piece.
Choose this kit when you are converting a vase, urn, pot or compatible garden accent.
Why choose this kit
Pair the system with a compatible drilled boulder, basalt column or other natural-stone fountain piece instead of being limited to a preselected ornament.
The in-ground reservoir, pump and plumbing sit below the finished surface, creating a clean pondless presentation while retaining access for service.
The basin, 1,110 GPH pump, tubing, bulkhead fitting and flow-control valve arrive as one coordinated conversion package.
Before you order
Choose this model when the planned fountain piece is no more than 36 inches high, the complete static load stays within 1,500 pounds and the site can accommodate a round 51.5-inch overall basin footprint. The basin installation guide calls for an excavation approximately 17 inches deep and 1–2 inches wider than the top, with a level, compacted base. Confirm the stone’s weight, footprint, tubing path and load distribution before installation.
If your stone is 24 inches high or less and the site needs a smaller footprint, compare the 36-inch Bubbling Boulder Conversion Kit.
| Model | Overall basin size | Capacity | Maximum static load | Pump | Listed maximum rock height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36-inch kit | 39.5 in. dia. × 16 in. H | 60 gal. | 1,000 lb. | 800 GPH | 24 in. |
| 48-inch kit | 51.5 in. dia. × 16 in. H | 95 gal. | 1,500 lb. | 1,110 GPH | 36 in. |
Overall basin: 39.5 in. dia. × 16 in. H
Capacity: 60 gal.
Maximum static load: 1,000 lb.
Pump: 800 GPH
Maximum rock height: 24 in.
Overall basin: 51.5 in. dia. × 16 in. H
Capacity: 95 gal.
Maximum static load: 1,500 lb.
Pump: 1,110 GPH
Maximum rock height: 36 in.
What comes with the kit
The drilled stone is the creative centerpiece you supply; the kit provides the recirculating system below it.
The plumbing package routes water from the submerged pump through the drilled stone and lets you adjust the display. It is distinct from the standpipe and quick-disconnect hose supplied with the 48-inch Fountain Conversion Kit for vases and urns.
Verified technical details
Installation at a glance
This is an in-ground water-feature project. Review the official basin and pump manuals before excavation or electrical connection.
Allow for the 51.5-inch basin footprint, your stone and the surrounding finish. Plan convenient access to fill water and a nearby GFCI-protected outlet, and have underground utilities located before digging.
Trace approximately 1–2 inches beyond the basin top and excavate about 17 inches deep. Remove sharp rock and roots, then level and compact a sand or small-gravel base.
Place the basin so it is level and approximately 1 inch below grade. Orient pump access toward electrical service, then backfill and compact evenly to prevent movement.
Position the pump below an access cover and route tubing through the grate to the drilled stone. Follow the manual’s no-drill zones above the molded supports and install the PVC center support.
Set the stone with appropriate lifting help, connect the plumbing and fill the basin with clean water. Test the pump from a GFCI-protected outlet, adjust flow and confirm water returns to the reservoir.
Cover the grate and sediment screen with suitably sized decorative stone while keeping pump-access panels clear for inspection, cleaning and seasonal service.
Ownership guidance
Optional finishing and water-management products
Planning and service documents
Use the official documents for final placement, grate drilling, assembly, pump operation, maintenance, winter care and warranty terms.
Have your stone’s dimensions, weight, drill-hole size and a few site measurements ready. Blue Thumb’s Sales and Technical Team can help you confirm the basin footprint, pump fit and optional accessories before installation.
Choose this Bubbling Boulder Conversion Kit when the water will pass through a drilled boulder, basalt column or other drilled natural-stone piece. Choose the 48-Inch Fountain Conversion Kit when you are converting a vase, urn, pot or similar garden accent. The basin and listed pump flow are the same size, but the fountain-end plumbing is different.
No. This is the concealed reservoir, pump and plumbing package for a compatible drilled stone that you supply. Decorative pebbles, site work and landscaping are also sold separately.
The product listing specifies a maximum rock height of 36 inches and a maximum static load of 1,500 pounds for the basin. Confirm the complete installed weight, footprint, drill path and how the load will be distributed across the grate. Contact Blue Thumb for unusual shapes or concentrated point loads.
The 48-inch kit provides a larger 95-gallon reservoir, a 1,500-pound maximum static load and a 1,110 GPH pump for stones listed up to 36 inches high. The 36-inch version uses a 60-gallon basin, carries up to 1,000 pounds and includes an 800 GPH pump for stones listed up to 24 inches high.
No permanent water line is listed as required. The system recirculates water, but you must replenish water lost to evaporation and splash. The optional Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit can automate refilling when connected to an appropriate water supply.
The Achelous installation guide calls for tracing approximately 1–2 inches wider than the basin top and excavating about 17 inches straight down. The finished base must be level and compacted so the basin is supported from below rather than hanging by its lip.
No. Decorative pebbles or other suitable grate-covering stone are sold separately. Coverage depends on the material size, depth, boulder footprint and how much of the grate remains visible.
The two-piece grate includes pump-access covers. Position the pump beneath an access opening and keep that area free of permanent hardscape so the pump can be inspected, cleaned and removed.
The Mag-Drive pump manual states that the pump and PVC plumbing must not be allowed to freeze. Before freezing conditions, unplug and remove the pump, empty it and store it where it cannot freeze. Follow the official manuals and local climate guidance for the rest of the system.
