AquaticLife 540714 75 GPD 3-Stage RO Buddie Hydroponic Reverse Osmosis System User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- AquaticLife
Table of Contents
AquaticLife 540714 75 GPD 3-Stage RO Buddie Hydroponic Reverse Osmosis
System User Manual
Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life RO Buddie® Reverse Osmosis System.
When maintained properly, this unit will provide you with years of service.
OVERVIEW
Reverse osmosis is the process of removing contaminants from tap water using a special semi-permeable membrane. By applying water pressure across the membrane, contaminants are concentrated on one side of the membrane and filtered water on the other side of the membrane. Therefore, reverse osmosis units have a waste water line as well as a filtered line.
In addition to the membrane, water is filtered prior to the membrane with a sediment cartridge to remove larger particulates, and a carbon block to remove chlorine and other materials.
WARNING: Before installing this unit, find out if you have Chloramines in your water supply. Contact your local water company for this information. If you have Chloramines, please refer to page 19 prior to installing your RO Buddie. Failure to do so may result in a ruined RO Membrane and poor filtered water quality
For technical assistance or warranty issues, contact Aquatic Life at
customersupport@aquaticlife.com
Contents
BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR RO SYSTEM
STAGE 1: SEDIMENT FILTER
Recommended change 3-6 months or 1,500 gallons total or 400 gallons of
filtered water
The first stage of your RO unit is a five micron sediment filter that traps
sediment and other particulate matter like dirt, silt and rust which will
affect the taste and appearance of your water.
STAGE 2: CARBON BLOCK FILTER
Recommended change 1,500 gallons total or 400 gallons of filtered water (at 1
ppm chlorine)
The second stage of your RO unit is a carbon block filter.
The activated carbon reduces chlorine and conditions the water prior to the RO
membrane.
STAGE 3: RO MEMBRANE
Recommended change 12-24 months
The RO membrane reduces impurities known as total dissolved solids (TDS) from
the water down to 1/10,000 of amicron, reducing arsenic, lead, parasitic
cysts, copper and more. Because the process of filtering the high-quality
water takes time, it is common to use a storage tank to collect filtered
water, making it available on demand.
NOTE: Filter cartridges and membrane life may vary based on local water conditions and amount of use.
REMOVING TUBING
Remove the blue clip from the press fitting
TIP: Use the provided Collar Tool to hold in collar on press fitting
while pulling out tubing.
Press in & hold the collar on the Press Fitting.
Using the Collar Tool makes this easier.
Continue to hold the collar while pulling out tubing
BEFORE INSTALLING TUBING
IMPORTANT: Use a razor blade
to ensure a clean, even cut. Pinched tubing or tubing cut at an angle will not
seal properly
INSTALLING TUBING
Remove the blue clip from the press fitting. Remove the blue clip from the
press fitting.
Mark the tubing 5/8″ from end.
Push the tubing into the fitting. You will hit the first stop. The tubing is still not secured properly. Push the tubing a second time until it reaches the 5/8″ mark.
Pull the tubing to ensure it is properly locked in place & sealed.
Reinstall the blue clip. Your tubing is now secure & water-tight.
SCAN TO VIEW VIDEO
Web Link: qrs.ly/zzbo14d
OPERATING GUIDELINES
DO NOT use with water that is micro-biologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
The maximum incoming water pressure for the unit is 80 PSI.
If the pressure is more than 80 PSI, a pressure regulator is required. If the water pressure is less than 40 PSI, a booster pump is needed.
Reverse osmosis filtered water should not be run through a copper tube.
The pure RO water can leach copper from the pipe, eventually leading to holes in the pipe.
DO NOT operate the unit unattended.
STORAGE
If you don’t plan to use the RO Buddie for more than two weeks, disconnect the
unit from the water supply and place in an air-tight bag.
Keep in the refrigerator or other cool place.
DO NOT ALLOW THE UNIT TO FREEZE.
MOUNTING THE RO BUDDIE
Mount to a secure surface using the provided mounting brackets. Use screws
designed for the mounting surface.
NOTE: If your model includes rubber plugs on any of the ports, it is now OK to remove the plug by simply pulling it out.
WATER SUPPLY INSTALLATION
This unit includes two options for easy connection to a water supply
OPTION 1:
Use Hose Bib Adapter to connect to a standard water faucet (found on the
exterior of houses, utility sinks, & washing machines).
OPTION 2:
Use 2-piece Faucet Adapter to connect to most kitchen & bathroom faucets.
Step 1:
Remove the existing aerator & all rubber washers from the faucet.
Step 2:
Install one or both pieces of the sink faucet adapter depending on the style
of your faucet.
Step 3:
Attach the hose bib connection to the other end of the sink faucet adapter.
CONNECT TUBING
Step 1: Connect a section of tubing to the water supply.
Step 2: Connect the other end of the supply tubing to the top “IN” port of the Auto-Shutoff Solenoid.
IMPORTANT: When installing the Auto-Shutoff Solenoid, the side with the
four screws should be facing down.
Step 3: Connect a section of tubing to the top “OUT” port on the
Solenoid.
Step 4: Connect the other end to the top port on the Sediment Cartridge.
Step 5: Connect a piece of tubing from the “OUT” port of the Membrane to the “IN” port of the Check Valve
IMPORTANT: The arrow on the Check Valve shows direction of water flow.
Step 6: Connect a piece of tubing from the Check Valve to the bottom “IN”
port of the Solenoid.
Step 7: Connect a FILTERED line to the bottom “OUT” port of the Solenoid. Connect a WASTE line to the Flow Restrictor.
Run both lines to a Floor Drain or Sink as you’ll be flushing the Carbon Cartridge and Membrane in the following steps.
IMPORTANT: Carbon Cartridge must be flushed prior to using the RO Buddie.
FLUSHING THE CARBON CARTRIDGE
With both filtered water and waste water lines in the drain, turn on the water
supply.
This will flush the filter cartridges prior to installing the membrane and
extend the membrane life.
Flush for 5 minutes or until water from both lines runs clear. Turn off the water supply and allow the RO Buddie to drain.
INSTALLING THE RO MEMBRANE
Step 1: Remove the tubing attached to the elbow fitting on top of the RO
membrane.
Remove blue clip, press & hold collar while pulling out tubing.
Step 2: Unscrew the membrane housing lid from the membrane housing.
Use membrane wrench if necessary.
Step 3: Remove the membrane from the plastic bag and insert into the
membrane housing. The black gasket should be towards the cap end.
IMPORTANT: The membrane should be inserted so that the top of the plastic
pipe in the membrane is flush with the top of the membrane housing.
Step 4: Replace the cap and tighten with the supplied wrench. Re-attach
the tubing and replace the blue clip.
FLUSHING THE RO MEMBRANE
IMPORTANT: All RO Membranes contain a preservative to keep them sterile. It is important to flush the preservative out of the membrane prior to using the filtered water.
Turn on the water to the RO Buddie.
FLUSH THE MEMBRANE FOR 30 MINUTES.
DISCARD ALL WATER FROM THIS FIRST 30 MINUTES OF OPERATION.
CONNECTION DIAGRAM
CONNECT FLOAT VALVE
Connect FILTERED water line to the float Valve. Your RO Buddie is now ready for use!
REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTER BASICS
The membrane does most of the work by removing up to 96-98% of the TDS from your water. The other two included filters protect the membrane from the many malicious elements that shorten its life. The sediment cartridge removes suspended particles larger than 5 micron. The carbon block removes chlorine. Timely replacement of the cartridges will increase the membrane’s life.
The carbon cartridge is the most important cartridge to change frequently. The carbon cartridge can filter about 1,500 gallons of water before being replaced IF your chlorine level is 1 ppm. With a 2 ppm you should filter 750 gallons of water before needing to change, with a 3 ppm you should get 500 gallons, and so on. Any chlorine not absorbed by a spent carbon cartridge will break down your Membrane, thus greatly shortening its life.
When the sediment cartridge needs to be changed, the production of water will reduce. Even with reduced water production, the cartridge will not allow anything larger than five micron to pass through the chamber. On average the sediment cartridge should be changed at every other carbon change.
With proper filter changes, the membrane could last up to two years. The membrane’s water production rating is based on 77°F water at 65 PSI. Any deviation from this will affect the water production. Reference the conversion table at right. You will notice that the warmer the water, the better the production. It is not advised that you introduce water from your water heater to increase water temperature. The membrane can’t handle temps over 100°F.
Temperature Correction
Temp. F/C| Correction Factor
50/10| 0.58
60/16| 0.73
70/21| 0.87
77/25| 1.00
80/27| 1.06
90/32| 1.23
100/38| 1.45
Pressure Correction
Pressure PSI| Correction Factor
Less than 40 PSI requires a booster pump
40| 0.1 to 0.2
50| 0.4 to 0.5
65| 1
70| 1.05 to 1.15
80| 1.25 to 1.35
Example
An RO membrane production rate at 77º F, 65 PSI = 75 gallons per day.
What is the production rate at 50º F?
Answer
Use the temperature correction factor (from table above) = 0.58
New production flow rate at 50º F is 75 x 0.58 = 43.5 gallons per day
TROUBLESHOOTING
-
Leaks at the threaded connection:
If once installed the unit should leak, use plumbers tape on the threaded fitting. Typically, no more than three wraps will be required to seal the connection. -
Leaks at the tubing connections:
The fittings on the RO Buddie use an o-ring inside of them. This will require the tubing to be inserted past the o-ring. You will want to make sure that when inserting the tubing you feel the initial stop when the tubing first meets the o-ring and a second stop when you push past the o-ring and meet the end inside the fitting. This is what we call the “double push”. Also, make sure to cut the tubing with a razor or similar object so that the tubing is not pinched and causes the tubing to not seal properly.
IMPORTANT: Tubing should insert 5/8″ inside the Press Fitting when property installed. -
No water production:
Make sure the water supply is turned OFF. Remove the tubing from the elbow on top of the membrane housing, direct the tubing into a container and turn on the water. Does the water flow quickly through the cartridges? If not, the cartridges likely need to be changed. -
Low filtered water production:
The RO membrane is rated to produce the stated volume of water based on 65 PSI and a 77° F water supply. If you have one or both specifications out of tolerance, use the Temperature and Pressure correction factors from charts on previous page.
UNIT MAINTENANCE
Recommended change 3-6 months
Sediment Filter Cartridge (Item # 330249)
Carbon Block Cartridge (Item # 330250)
12-24 Month Maintenance
RO 75 GPD Membrane Cartridge (Item # 330650)
NOTE: Cartridge & membrane life are dependent on multiple factors, including the quality of the incoming water supply (TDS levels, chlorine, etc.) and the amount of use. Recommended replacement is based on average usage.
SCAN TO PURCHASE
Sediment Cartridge
Mfg # 330249
Amazon # B00DOG6614
Web Link: qrs.ly/wndeqp8
Carbon Cartridge
Mfg # 330250
Amazon #B00DOG66RI
Web Link: qrs.ly/tndeqqg
CHLORAMINES
Supply water treated with Chloramines is different than Chlorine. The Carbon Cartridge removes Chlorine. When Chloramines are present, a special filter is required.
FAILURE TO USE A CHLORAMINE FILTER WILL QUICKLY DESTROY YOUR RO MEMBRANE & PROVIDE POOR FILTERED WATER QUALITY
Chloramine Filter
Mfg # 540695
Amazon #B09HVDK9FV
Web Link: qrs.ly/aydeqrh
SCAN TO VIEW VIDEO
Adding a Chloramine Filter to RO Buddie
Web Link: qrs.ly/b7ch2ra
LIMITED WARRANTY
Lifetime Products LLC warrants that this Reverse Osmosis Unit (excluding cartridges and membrane) shall be free from defective components and leaks or cracks due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. If a defect is shown, Lifetime Products LLC will, at Lifetime Product’s sole discretion, either repair or replace the product without charge. No cash refunds will be made. This warranty is provided solely to the original consumer purchaser of the product and may not be transferred or assigned. If Lifetime Products chooses to replace the equipment, Lifetime Products may replace it with reconditioned equipment. Parts used in repairing or replacing the equipment will be warranted for 90 days from the date the equipment is returned to you or the remainder of the original warranty period, whichever is longer.
This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, failure to follow safety and installation instructions.
This warranty will be void if defects occur due to failure to observe the following conditions:
The Aquatic Life RO Buddie Unit should only be connected to a potable municipal or potable well cold water supply.
Do not use with water that is of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
- Incoming total dissolved solids (TDS) not to exceed 1,800 ppm.
- Incoming water to the RO cannot exceed 100°F.
- Incoming water pressure must be between 40 and 80 PSI.
- Incoming water pH must not be lower than 2 or higher than 11.
- Incoming water iron content must be less than 0.2 ppm.
- Incoming water hardness must not exceed 10 grains per gallon or 170 ppm.
- Do not use outdoors or in a location that is subjected to direct sunlight or freezing
This warranty will not be effective unless and until the Aquatic Life product is shown to have been used in accordance with the installation and maintenance instructions accompanying the product.
THIS CONSTITUTES LIFETIME PRODUCTS ENTIRE WARRANTY AND LIFETIME PRODUCTS MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT. LIFETIME PRODUCTS, LLC SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF LIFETIME PRODUCTS, LLC CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
LIFETIME PRODUCTS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. LIFETIME PRODUCTS, LLC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL ALLEGED DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF MARINE LIFE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or exclusions or limitations on the duration of implied warranties or conditions, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by state or province.
Lifetime Products, LLC shall not have any obligations under this warranty unless the owner notifies Lifetime Products, LLC in writing of any alleged defect(s) within 30 days of discovery of the defect(s).
Any notice to Lifetime Products, LLC must be delivered by United States or
electronic mail to the following address: U.S. Mail: Lifetime Products, LLC,
9710 Klingerman St., S. El Monte, CA 91733 or electronic mail:
customersupport@aquaticlife.com.
Lifetime
Products shall be allowed a reasonable period of time to investigate any
warranty claim and to perform any testing Lifetime Products deems necessary to
determine the cause of the defect. This warranty shall be interpreted under
the laws of the State of California.
Lifetime Products, LLC
9710 Klingerman St. | S. El Monte, CA 91733
www.aquaticlife.com
References
- Amazon.com: AQUATICLIFE Carbon Plus Carbon Block Water Filter 10x2.5 and 10-inch Water Filter Housing Canister for Reverse Osmosis Filtration Systems RO and RODI Units, For Chlorine Chloramine Reduction : Tools & Home Improvement
- YouTube
- Amazon.com: Aquatic Life 330250 RO Buddie Carbon Cartridge,White,Single Unit : Tools & Home Improvement
- Amazon.com: Aquatic Life RO Buddie Sediment Cartridge : Tools & Home Improvement
- YouTube
- aquaticlife.com