Filtration at the Head of the Falls
Water passes through two included Matala filter mats before returning to the pond, combining biological filtration with a 14-inch waterfall outlet.
Proudly Made in the USA
Biological filtration and a natural waterfall return
Build the upper end of a recirculating garden pond with a compact biological filter and 14-inch spillway in one unit. The PB1076 routes pond water through two included Matala filter mats, then returns it as a waterfall. Its molded octagonal body, detachable weir and landscape lid are designed for a clean installation that can be blended into the surrounding rockwork and planting.
Water passes through two included Matala filter mats before returning to the pond, combining biological filtration with a 14-inch waterfall outlet.
A 2-inch spinweld on each side lets you bring the feed line in from either direction. The second connection can also support a second pump line or a back-flush arrangement.
The included landscape lid provides a surface for gravel, mulch or plantings, helping the filter blend into the berm behind the waterfall.
Media note: The mesh bag is included, but the loose biological media used to fill it is sold separately. Our guide recommends Bacti-Twist; the Small Elite is listed for 1 cubic foot, selected on the Bacti-Twist Biological Filter Media page. For replacement filter mats, select the 14-inch Elite option on our Replacement Matala for Elite Waterfall Box page.
The Small Elite balances a compact 14-inch waterfall with higher flow capacity and a larger filter body than our DIY 14-inch models. For a wider waterfall or larger pond, compare the Medium or Large Elite.
| Specification | DIY 1200 | DIY 1500 | DIY 2000 | Small Elite | Medium Elite | Large Elite | Extra Large Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spillway | 14" | 14" | 20" | 14" | 22" | 30" | 40" |
| Dimensions | 19" × 15.5" × 14.5" | 20.5" × 20" × 15.75" | 22" × 23" × 19" | 23" × 24.75" × 21.75" | 31" × 30.5" × 23" | 31.75" × 40.5" × 25.75" | 35.75" × 50" × 30.75" |
| Maximum flow | 2,000 GPH | 2,500 GPH | 4,500 GPH | 3,500 GPH | 6,000 GPH | 10,000 GPH | 20,000 GPH |
| Filters up to | 1,200 gal. | 1,500 gal. | 2,000 gal. | 1,500 gal. | 3,500 gal. | 6,000 gal. | 10,000 gal. |
Spillway: 14"
Dimensions: 19" × 15.5" × 14.5"
Maximum flow: 2,000 GPH
Filters up to: 1,200 gal.
Spillway: 14"
Dimensions: 20.5" × 20" × 15.75"
Maximum flow: 2,500 GPH
Filters up to: 1,500 gal.
Spillway: 20"
Dimensions: 22" × 23" × 19"
Maximum flow: 4,500 GPH
Filters up to: 2,000 gal.
Spillway: 14"
Dimensions: 23" × 24.75" × 21.75"
Maximum flow: 3,500 GPH
Filters up to: 1,500 gal.
Spillway: 22"
Dimensions: 31" × 30.5" × 23"
Maximum flow: 6,000 GPH
Filters up to: 3,500 gal.
Spillway: 30"
Dimensions: 31.75" × 40.5" × 25.75"
Maximum flow: 10,000 GPH
Filters up to: 6,000 gal.
Spillway: 40"
Dimensions: 35.75" × 50" × 30.75"
Maximum flow: 20,000 GPH
Filters up to: 10,000 gal.
See the full biological waterfall box collection for additional configurations.
Review the installation guide before excavation or plumbing work begins. A compacted, stable base and correct liner attachment are essential to an even waterfall and a watertight connection.
For a garden pond, position the waterfall opposite the skimmer when practical to support circulation. It can sit at the pond edge or at the top of a stream.
Compact the area beneath the box to limit settling. Keep the unit level from side to side and tilt it forward slightly—about one-quarter bubble on a level—so water travels toward the spillway.
Bring 2-inch flexible PVC to either spinweld. Use the included threaded plug on the unused side, or reserve the second connection for a planned second pump line or back-flush system.
Leave enough slack where the liner meets the box so rock weight does not pull on the joint. Use the included clips, silicone, detachable weir and stainless screws as shown in the manual.
Place both Matala mats horizontally in the bottom. Fill the included mesh bag with your selected biological media, sold separately, and set the bag above the mats.
Run the system and confirm an even waterfall and leak-free liner connection before final rockwork and concealment. Waterfall foam for directing flow through rockwork is optional and sold separately.
Use the model-family installation guide for the PB1076 and review the warranty before installation or modification.
This official Blue Thumb video explains the broader pond-kit installation sequence. Use the PB1076 installation guide above for the exact waterfall-box plumbing, liner attachment and filter-media placement.
Product-family installation guidance from our official Blue Thumb channel. Pumps, skimmers, liner, hose, rockwork and other kit components shown are not included with this waterfall box unless listed above.
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you confirm pond volume, pump flow, plumbing size and whether the Small Elite is the right waterfall filter for your project.
No. This product is the biological waterfall filter box and its listed fittings, media mats and installation hardware. The pump, skimmer or alternate intake, hose, liner, underlayment, loose biological media and landscape materials are selected separately.
It is rated for ponds up to 1,500 gallons, with a maximum recommended pump flow of 3,500 GPH. Pond shape, fish load, debris and the rest of the filtration system also affect performance, so contact us if your project is near either limit.
The Small Elite has two 2-inch spinweld fittings and is designed for 2-inch flexible PVC. Feed the box from either side and plug the unused connection, or use the second connection for a planned second line or back-flush setup.
Two green Matala filter mats and a mesh media bag are included. The loose biological media placed inside the bag is not included and must be selected separately.
For a garden pond, place it opposite the skimmer when practical to encourage circulation. It may sit at the pond edge or at the top of a stream. Support it on compacted ground, level it side to side and follow the guide’s slight forward-tilt instruction.
Yes. The included landscape lid is designed to help the box blend into the berm using gravel, mulch or suitable plantings. Keep the lid accessible so you can inspect and clean the filter media.
A thorough cleaning is typically needed about once per year, but conditions vary. Clean during the coldest water period or below 50°F and rinse with pond water when possible to protect beneficial bacteria.
The Blue Thumb branded engineered plastic waterfall filter is covered by a lifetime limited warranty to the original purchaser against manufacturing defects. Proper installation is required, modifications void coverage, and labor and freight are not included. Review the current warranty document for complete terms.