Build a Wider Waterfall
The detachable 20-inch weir gives you a defined spillway for creating a substantial waterfall at the edge of a pond or at the head of a short stream.
Proudly made in the USA.
Biological filtration and a 20-inch waterfall in one box
Build a broad, natural-looking waterfall while adding biological filtration and aeration to a new or existing garden pond. The PB1298 pairs a 20-inch detachable spillway with capacity for ponds up to 2,000 gallons, making it a practical mid-level choice for larger DIY water gardens.
The detachable 20-inch weir gives you a defined spillway for creating a substantial waterfall at the edge of a pond or at the head of a short stream.
The included filter mat and media bag create a dedicated filtration chamber. Fill the bag with your chosen biological media to provide additional surface area for beneficial bacteria.
The box is installed outside the pond and can be concealed with surrounding rockwork and plants while water returns through the front spillway.
The PB1298 includes the waterfall-filter assembly and attachment hardware listed below. A pump, skimmer, pond liner, underlayment, flex pipe, biological media, PVC primer and cement, and other pond-building materials are not included. Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond and waterfall but are not included.
For a matched system, pair this box with equipment sized for your pond volume, total dynamic head and desired waterfall appearance. The DIY Pond Skimmer 180 also supports flow up to 4,500 GPH.
The PB1298 is the largest DIY waterfall box in this comparison. Choose an Elite model when your project requires greater filtration capacity, a higher maximum flow or an available landscape lid.
| Model | Spillway | Dimensions | Maximum flow | Filters up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Waterfall 1200 | 14" | 19" × 15.5" × 14.5"H | 2,000 GPH | 1,200 gal. |
| DIY Waterfall 1500 | 14" | 20.5" × 20" × 15.75"H | 2,500 GPH | 1,500 gal. |
| DIY Waterfall 2000 | 20" | 22" × 23" × 19"H | 4,500 GPH | 2,000 gal. |
| Small Elite Waterfall | 14" | 23" × 24.75" × 21.75"H | 3,500 GPH | 1,500 gal. |
| Medium Elite Waterfall | 22" | 31" × 30.5" × 23"H | 6,000 GPH | 3,500 gal. |
| Large Elite Waterfall | 30" | 31.75" × 40.5" × 25.75"H | 10,000 GPH | 6,000 gal. |
| Extra Large Elite Waterfall | 40" | 35.75" × 50" × 30.75"H | 20,000 GPH | 10,000 gal. |
Spillway: 14"
Dimensions: 19" × 15.5" × 14.5"H
Maximum flow: 2,000 GPH
Filters up to: 1,200 gal.
Spillway: 14"
Dimensions: 20.5" × 20" × 15.75"H
Maximum flow: 2,500 GPH
Filters up to: 1,500 gal.
Spillway: 20"
Dimensions: 22" × 23" × 19"H
Maximum flow: 4,500 GPH
Filters up to: 2,000 gal.
Spillway: 14"
Dimensions: 23" × 24.75" × 21.75"H
Maximum flow: 3,500 GPH
Filters up to: 1,500 gal.
Spillway: 22"
Dimensions: 31" × 30.5" × 23"H
Maximum flow: 6,000 GPH
Filters up to: 3,500 gal.
Spillway: 30"
Dimensions: 31.75" × 40.5" × 25.75"H
Maximum flow: 10,000 GPH
Filters up to: 6,000 gal.
Spillway: 40"
Dimensions: 35.75" × 50" × 30.75"H
Maximum flow: 20,000 GPH
Filters up to: 10,000 gal.
Need a smaller DIY option? Compare the DIY Pond Waterfall 1500 or DIY Pond Waterfall 1200.
Read the installation guide before building the waterfall. The box must be supported, positioned and sealed correctly before surrounding rockwork is completed.
Place the waterfall opposite the skimmer to support circulation. It can sit at the pond edge or at the head of a stream where you can enjoy the view from key indoor and outdoor areas.
Compact the supporting area to reduce future settling. Level the box from side to side and tilt it forward slightly—about one-quarter bubble on a level—so water moves toward the spillway.
Apply the included Teflon tape to the male adapter and thread it into the side inlet. Glue 1.5-inch flexible PVC into the adapter with compatible PVC primer and cement, sold separately.
Bring the liner to the face with a little slack for the weight of the rockwork. Follow the manual’s sequence for silicone, the detachable weir, screws, trimming and final sealing.
Place the white mat horizontally in the bottom. Fill the mesh bag with biological media of your choice, then set the filled bag on top of the mat.
Run the system and inspect the plumbing, liner-to-weir seal and waterfall direction before hiding the box or completing rockwork. Black waterfall foam can help direct water over finishing stones.
When media needs cleaning, rinse it with water taken from the pond whenever possible. Chlorinated tap water can harm the beneficial bacteria living on the media.
Our pond maintenance guide recommends cleaning waterfall-box biological media about once per year, when water temperatures are at their coldest or below 50°F.
Cold-weather steps depend on the pump, skimmer, plumbing, pond depth and climate. Follow the equipment manuals and seasonal-care guides for the complete system rather than treating the waterfall box in isolation.
Review the installation guide before work begins and keep it available while positioning the box, attaching the liner and installing the filter media.
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review pond volume, pump flow, skimmer compatibility and the components needed to build the complete system.
No. It is a waterfall filter box with a detachable weir, filter mat, empty media bag, connection and sealing parts, attachment hardware and instructions. The pump, skimmer, liner, underlayment, flex pipe, biological media and other pond-building materials are sold separately.
It is listed for ponds up to 2,000 gallons, with a suggested pond footprint up to approximately 11' × 16' or similar. Final equipment sizing should also account for pond depth, fish load, total dynamic head and desired circulation.
The listed maximum flow rate is 4,500 GPH. Actual flow at the waterfall will depend on the selected pump, vertical lift, pipe run, fittings and other system restrictions.
No. The mesh media bag is included, but the installation guide directs you to fill it with biological media of your choice. Bacti-Twist is recommended and sold separately.
The DIY Pond Skimmer 180 has a listed maximum flow of 4,500 GPH and is used with the PB1298 in our Large DIY Pond Kit. Confirm the complete pump, skimmer and plumbing combination for your project before ordering.
No. Landscape lids are not available for the DIY Waterfall Boxes. If a purpose-built landscape lid is important to your design, compare the Blue Thumb Elite waterfall-filter models.
The liner is sealed to the front of the box with the included black silicone, then clamped by the detachable weir and stainless screws. Follow the official guide’s full sequence before cutting the spillway opening in the liner.
Our maintenance guide recommends cleaning waterfall-box biological media about once per year, when the water is coldest or below 50°F. Rinse with pond water whenever possible so chlorine does not damage the beneficial bacteria.