Aquabrass sells three families of boxed thermostatic shower kits: SHOWERBOX, MIAMIBOX and INABOX. Each family comes in several versions, and the model codes (01, 02, 03, 04, and a "G" suffix) tell you exactly what's in the box. This guide decodes those codes, explains shared vs non-shared diverters, and covers the one part every kit needs that isn't in the box: the T12123 rough-in valve.
Details come from Aquabrass product information and installation guides and from our product pages. See everything we list from the brand on our Aquabrass brand page.
What's in an Aquabrass Shower Kit?
Each kit packs the visible "trim" side of a thermostatic shower system into one box. According to the Aquabrass listings, every SHOWERBOX, MIAMIBOX and INABOX kit includes:
- a trim set (the wall plate and handles) with a built-in 2-way or 3-way diverter
- a rainhead, with an 18" wall arm and a 4" ceiling arm on most models, so you can mount it on the wall or overhead
- a push-button 3-function handshower (rain, mist, jet) on a 28" shower rail
- an adjustable waterway (the elbow that feeds the handshower hose)
The T12123 thermostatic rough-in valve is sold separately. Every kit page states that the Aquabrass T12123 Turbo thermostatic rough-in valve is required and must be purchased on its own. Budget and order it alongside the kit. We cover it in detail below.
The Three Kit Families
| Family | Trim style | Rainhead | Finishes listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHOWERBOX | Round, solid brass trim | 12" round (or Aquasheet on 04) | Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Electro Black, Polished Nickel |
| MIAMIBOX | Square, solid brass trim, plus an extra pair of round handles | 14" x 8" rectangular (or Aquasheet on 04) | Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Electro Black, Polished Nickel |
| INABOX | Clip-on trim with hidden adjustment for wall thickness | 14" x 8" rectangular (or Aquasheet on 04) | Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Electro Black |
SHOWERBOX: round
SHOWERBOX is the round-styled family, with a round trim set, round arm flange and a 12" round rainhead. It suits soft, curved bathroom designs. Start with the SHOWERBOX01.
MIAMIBOX: square
MIAMIBOX uses a square trim set and square waterway with an oversized 14" x 8" rainhead. Aquabrass includes an extra pair of round handles, so you can soften the look if you prefer. See the MIAMIBOX01.
INABOX: clip-on trim
INABOX's trim uses what Aquabrass calls an easy clip-on fastening system with hidden adjustment to fit any wall thickness. That helps when the finished wall depth isn't exactly what was planned. See the INABOX01.
Decoding the Model Numbers
| Code | What you get (per Aquabrass listings) | Diverter |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Rainhead + handshower on rail (2 outlets) | 2-way |
| 02 / N02 | Rainhead + handshower + tub spout (tub & shower) | 3-way |
| 03 | Rainhead + handshower + body jets (SHOWERBOX03 lists 3 body jets) | 3-way |
| 04 | Aquasheet dual-function wall-mount rainhead + handshower | 3-way |
| G suffix | Same kit with a non-shared diverter: one outlet at a time | Non-shared |
Examples: the SHOWERBOXN02 is a round tub-and-shower kit with a round tub spout without a diverter. The SHOWERBOX03 adds body jets. The MIAMIBOX04 uses the Aquasheet dual-function rainhead. If you're weighing body jets, our rain shower with body jets guide covers water supply and layout questions.
Shared vs Non-Shared Diverters
This is the most important choice after style:
- Shared (no G): two or more outlets can run at the same time, such as the rainhead and handshower together.
- Non-shared (G models): one function at a time. Several G listings, such as the SHOWERBOX01G and INABOX01G, are labelled as the CalGreen-compliant option.
Running two outlets at once uses more water and needs adequate supply, so talk to your plumber about pipe size and water heater capacity if you choose a shared kit with body jets.
The T12123 Valve: What to Know
From the Aquabrass T12123 specification sheet:
- A Turbo thermostatic valve with a built-in 2- or 3-way diverter body. The diverter cartridge comes with the trim kit.
- Universal inlets for 3/4" or 1/2" connections: built-in female threads for 1/2" and male threads for 3/4".
- Reversible service check valves with filters.
- Flow rate of 12 gpm (45 L/min) at 45 psi.
- A finished wall depth range of 3-1/4" minimum to 3-3/4" maximum.
That wall-depth window matters. Set the valve so the finished tile surface falls inside it. If you're new to thermostatic valves, our thermostatic valve comparison explains how they differ from pressure-balance valves.
Choosing Your Kit: A Quick Path
- Shower only or tub and shower? Tub and shower means an 02 / N02 kit.
- Do you want body jets? Then choose an 03 kit.
- Round, square or clip-on trim? That decides SHOWERBOX, MIAMIBOX or INABOX.
- Shared or one-at-a-time? Choose a G model for non-shared operation.
- Finish. Pick from the finishes listed on each page, and match your bathroom faucets.
- Add the valve. Order the T12123.
Prefer building a custom layout with separate valves and trims? See our Aquabrass valves and trim sets guide. You can also browse all shower faucets and rain shower heads.
Installation Notes
- Follow the SHOWERBOX or INABOX installation guide linked on each product page, along with the T12123 installation sheet.
- Mount the valve level and at the correct depth before closing the wall. Use the test and protection features supplied with the valve.
- Plan the rainhead position first. The 4" ceiling arm needs a ceiling supply, and the 18" wall arm needs a wall supply.
- Aquabrass's warranty excludes installation by a non-accredited professional, so use a licensed plumber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the valve. Each kit is trim only. Without the T12123 there is nothing in the wall to connect the kit to.
- Choosing a shared kit by accident. If you only ever want one outlet running at a time, pick the G version.
- Ignoring wall depth. A valve set too deep or too shallow can leave the trim unable to seat properly. Check the 3-1/4" to 3-3/4" finished wall range before tiling. INABOX's clip-on trim offers hidden adjustment, but the valve still has to be set correctly.
- Mixing finishes unintentionally. Order the kit in the same finish as your faucet and accessories. Electro Black and Black, for example, are listed as separate finishes in the Aquabrass range.
- Not planning the handshower position. The 28" rail and waterway need to sit where the hose reaches comfortably, and clear of glass panels and niches.
Maintenance
The T12123's check valves include filters, which help keep debris out of the thermostatic cartridge. Ask your plumber to show you where they are. Clean the rainhead and handshower nozzles regularly in hard-water areas. Avoid abrasive or chlorine-based cleaners, which Aquabrass lists as warranty exclusions.
Sources: Aquabrass product information and installation guides for the SHOWERBOX, MIAMIBOX and INABOX kits, the T12123 specification sheet (aquabrass.com), the Aquabrass warranty (aquabrass.com/warranty), and Plumbing Market product pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the valve included with the Aquabrass SHOWERBOX kit?
No. The SHOWERBOX, MIAMIBOX and INABOX kits require the T12123 thermostatic rough-in valve, which is sold separately.
What is the difference between SHOWERBOX and MIAMIBOX?
SHOWERBOX uses a round trim with a 12-inch round rainhead. MIAMIBOX uses a square trim with a 14 x 8 inch rainhead and includes an extra pair of round handles.
What does the G mean in Aquabrass shower kit model numbers?
G models use a non-shared diverter, so only one outlet runs at a time. Models without the G have a shared diverter that lets outlets run together.
What wall depth does the Aquabrass T12123 valve need?
The T12123 specification sheet lists a finished wall depth of 3-1/4 inches minimum to 3-3/4 inches maximum.
Which Aquabrass shower kit includes a tub spout?
The 02 kits (SHOWERBOXN02, MIAMIBOX02 and INABOX02, plus their G versions) are tub and shower kits with a tub spout.
