Filtration Hidden in the Landscape
The octagonal box and included landscape lid make the filter easier to integrate into stonework and planting while keeping the media accessible for service.
Medium 22" Elite Waterfall Box
$619.99
Made in the USA
- Waterfall width: 22-inch spillway
- Dimensions: 31 × 30.5 × 23 inches
- Maximum recommended pump flow: 6,000 GPH
- Maximum pond volume: 3,500 gallons
- Inlet size: Two 2-inch spinweld fittings
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the engineered-plastic waterfall filter, subject to published terms
Biological filtration and a 22-inch pond waterfall
Medium 22" Elite Waterfall Box
Build biological filtration into a natural-looking waterfall for a garden or fish pond. The PB1083 combines a 22-inch detachable spillway, two Matala filter mats, a media bag and a landscape lid in one contractor-grade waterfall filter sized for ponds up to 3,500 gallons.
Spillway 22 in.
Overall size 31 × 30.5 × 23 in.
Recommended flow Up to 6,000 GPH
Pond volume Up to 3,500 gal.
Inlets Two 2-in. spinwelds
Why Choose the Medium Elite Waterfall?
Biological Media Included
Two coarse green Matala mats provide open, durable media where beneficial bacteria can colonize as pond water passes through the box.
Flexible Plumbing Layout
Two factory-installed 2-inch spinweld fittings let you feed the box from either side. The second port can be plugged or planned for a second pump line or back-flush setup.
Waterfall filter component—not a complete pond kit
What Comes with PB1083
Waterfall Box & Filtration
- Medium Elite waterfall-filter box
- 22-inch detachable spillway / weir
- Landscape lid
- Two green Matala biological filter mats
- One mesh media bag
Connections & Liner Attachment
- Plumbing fittings, including adapter and threaded plug
- Stainless screws and screw caps
- Liner clips
- Black silicone and Teflon tape
- Installation instructions
Plan the Rest of the Pond
The waterfall box does not include a pump, skimmer, 2-inch flexible PVC pipe, PVC primer and cement, pond liner, protective underlayment, electrical service or site work. Match the pump to the complete system’s calculated head height and desired flow—not simply the pump’s zero-head rating.
Media & Natural Finish
The official comparison lists 2 cu. ft. as the Bacti-Twist media quantity for the Medium Elite; Bacti-Twist is not listed among the included parts. Rocks and gravel are recommended to help protect and naturalize a pond installation but are not included.
Medium Elite Specifications
Item / SKU: PB1083
UPC: 897570001083
Spillway width: 22 in.
Overall dimensions: 31 × 30.5 × 23 in.
Maximum recommended flow: 6,000 GPH
Maximum listed pond volume: 3,500 gal.
Inlet fittings: Two 2-in. spinweld fittings
Bacti-Twist media quantity: 2 cu. ft. listed; media sold separately
Manufacturing: Made in the USA
Plastic-component warranty: Blue Thumb lifetime warranty, subject to published terms
Waterfall Box Size Comparison
The Medium Elite is highlighted. Use pond volume, target waterfall width, system head and actual operating flow together when planning a system.
| Model | Spillway | Dimensions | Max flow | Filters up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY 1200 | 14 in. | 19 × 15.5 × 14.5 in. | 2,000 GPH | 1,200 gal. |
| DIY 1500 | 14 in. | 20.5 × 20 × 15.75 in. | 2,500 GPH | 1,500 gal. |
| DIY 2000 | 20 in. | 22 × 23 × 19 in. | 4,500 GPH | 2,000 gal. |
| Small Elite | 14 in. | 23 × 24.75 × 21.75 in. | 3,500 GPH | 1,500 gal. |
| Medium Elite PB1083 | 22 in. | 31 × 30.5 × 23 in. | 6,000 GPH | 3,500 gal. |
| Large Elite | 30 in. | 31.75 × 40.5 × 25.75 in. | 10,000 GPH | 6,000 gal. |
| Extra Large Elite | 40 in. | 35.75 × 50 × 30.75 in. | 20,000 GPH | 10,000 gal. |
DIY 1200
Spillway: 14 in.
Dimensions: 19 × 15.5 × 14.5 in.
Max flow: 2,000 GPH
Filters up to: 1,200 gal.
DIY 1500
Spillway: 14 in.
Dimensions: 20.5 × 20 × 15.75 in.
Max flow: 2,500 GPH
Filters up to: 1,500 gal.
DIY 2000
Spillway: 20 in.
Dimensions: 22 × 23 × 19 in.
Max flow: 4,500 GPH
Filters up to: 2,000 gal.
Small Elite
Spillway: 14 in.
Dimensions: 23 × 24.75 × 21.75 in.
Max flow: 3,500 GPH
Filters up to: 1,500 gal.
Medium Elite PB1083
Spillway: 22 in.
Dimensions: 31 × 30.5 × 23 in.
Max flow: 6,000 GPH
Filters up to: 3,500 gal.
Large Elite
Spillway: 30 in.
Dimensions: 31.75 × 40.5 × 25.75 in.
Max flow: 10,000 GPH
Filters up to: 6,000 gal.
Extra Large Elite
Spillway: 40 in.
Dimensions: 35.75 × 50 × 30.75 in.
Max flow: 20,000 GPH
Filters up to: 10,000 gal.
Installation at a Glance
Read the complete installation manual before excavation or plumbing. The sequence below is planning guidance, not a replacement for the manual.
Choose the Location
Position the waterfall opposite the skimmer when practical to support pond circulation. Plan the view, stream path, plumbing route and future access to the landscape lid.
Prepare a Stable Base
Compact the supporting area to reduce settling. Set the box level from side to side and tilt it forward slightly—about one-quarter bubble—so water moves toward the spillway.
Connect 2-Inch Plumbing
Choose the feed side, apply the included Teflon tape to the threaded adapter and plug, and use PVC primer and cement to connect compatible 2-inch flexible PVC pipe.
Attach the Liner
Bring the pond or stream liner up to the face, hold it with the included clips, apply silicone as shown in the manual, and install the spillway hardware in the specified sequence.
Load the Media
Install the included Matala mats and media bag as directed. Keep the media arrangement and lid accessible so the box can be inspected and cleaned.
Test Before Finishing
Run the system, check every fitting and liner connection, confirm forward flow and correct any settling or leaks before completing rockwork and landscaping.
Flow-planning note: Pump output decreases as lift, pipe length, fittings and restrictions increase. Confirm the expected operating flow at your system’s total dynamic head and stay within the 6,000 GPH maximum recommended flow for this box.
Routine Care & Seasonal Planning
Inspect Waterfall Media
The installation manual calls for thoroughly cleaning waterfall-box media about once per year, with timing adjusted to pond conditions and debris load.
Protect Beneficial Bacteria
Clean media when pond water is coldest or below 50°F and rinse with collected pond water when possible. Chlorinated tap water can kill beneficial bacteria on the media.
Plan for Freezing Weather
Winter care depends on the complete pond system and climate. Follow the pump manufacturer’s instructions for removal and storage, and use Blue Thumb’s fall-care guide for the pond.
Product Resources
Keep these guides available during planning, installation and seasonal maintenance.
See the Pond-Installation Process
How to Install a Pond Kit: Step-by-Step Guide
This official Blue Thumb video provides product-family installation context. Use the PB1083 specifications and the model-specific Elite Waterfall manual above for exact box dimensions, 2-inch connections and component placement.
Video courtesy of Blue Thumb.
Questions Before You Order?
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review pond volume, waterfall width, pump flow at operating head, plumbing size and the installation footprint before you choose a waterfall box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PB1083 a complete pond kit?
No. It is the biological waterfall-filter component. A working pond system also requires a properly selected pump, plumbing, liner and underlayment, and commonly a skimmer. Those items are not listed as included with PB1083.
What size pond is the Medium Elite designed to filter?
Blue Thumb lists the Medium Elite for ponds up to 3,500 gallons, with a maximum recommended flow of 6,000 GPH. Pond shape, fish load, debris, plumbing and actual pump flow also affect system design.
Are the Matala mats included?
Yes. The installation manual and component image show two Matala filter mats plus one media bag. Replacement Matala for the 22-inch Elite is available separately when needed.
Is Bacti-Twist filter media included?
No. The official size comparison lists 2 cubic feet as the Bacti-Twist quantity for the Medium Elite, but Bacti-Twist is not listed among the included components.
Can I connect the pump line from either side?
Yes. The box has one 2-inch spinweld fitting on each side. Use the selected side for the feed line; the other can be plugged or planned for a second pump line or back-flush setup as described in the manual.
How often should I clean the waterfall filter media?
The manual recommends a thorough cleaning about once per year, preferably when pond water is coldest or below 50°F. Rinse with pond water when possible so chlorinated tap water does not damage the beneficial-bacteria colony.
Can this box be used for a pond-less waterfall?
PB1083 is a biological waterfall filter intended for pond systems. For a pond-less design, compare Blue Thumb’s 22-inch Elite Cascade Falls Box, which is configured as a pond-less spillway rather than a biological pond filter.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Blue Thumb’s published lifetime plastics warranty covers Blue Thumb-branded engineered plastic waterfall filters against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser. Installation must follow the manual; post-purchase modifications void coverage, and labor and freight are excluded.
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