RO Buddie® Series

Models: 540016, 540017, 540019

Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide

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
Models #540016
a carbon block to remove chlorine and other
& #540017 materials.

With the RO Buddie +DI (Model # 540019),

after water is filtered by the membrane,
it passes through a color-changing resin
cartridge where additional total dissolved
solids (TDS) are removed from the water.

WARNING: Please read carefully before

proceeding with installation. Your failure
to follow any attached instructions and
operating parameters may lead to the
product’s failure.

WARNING: Do not drink water that has

been filtered with a DI resin cartridge.

Model #540019

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 Models: 540016, 540017, 540019
RO Buddie® Series
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com

STAGE 1 – SEDIMENT FILTER Contents

S Recommended change 3-6 months or 1,500 gallons total
or 400 gallons of filtered water #540016 #540017 #540019
RO Buddie RO Buddie RO Buddie +DI
The first stage of your RO unit is a five micron sediment filter that traps sediment and other 50 GPD 100 GPD 50 GPD
particulate matter like dirt, silt and rust which will affect the taste and appearance of your water.
Micron Cartridge 1 1 1

Carbon Cartridge 1 1 1

STAGE 2 – CARBON BLOCK FILTER RO Unit Housing w/Mounting Brackets and Screws 1 1 1

C Recommended change 3-6 months or 1,500 gallons total

or 400 gallons of filtered water (at 1 ppm Chlorine)
Reverse Osmosis Membrane 1 – 50 GPD 1 – 100 GPD 1 – 50 GPD

Canister Cap Wrench 1 1 1

The second stage of your RO unit is a carbon block filter. The activated carbon in the filter
Color Changing Resin (DI) Cartridge N/A N/A 1
reduces chlorine and conditions the water prior to the RO membrane.
Common Size Kitchen/Bathroom Sink Faucet Adapter 1 1 1

Garden Hose/ Laundry Faucet Adapter 1 1 1

RO STAGE 3 – RO MEMBRANE
Recommended change 1-2 years
1/4” Tubing 1 1 1

Installation & Maintenance Guide 1 1 1

The RO membrane reduces impurities known as total dissolved solids (TDS) from the water Tools Recommended for Installation
down to 1/10,000 of a micron, 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 Phillips Screwdriver
tank to collect filtered water, making it available on demand.
Single-Edge Razor Blade

OPERATING GUIDELINES
STAGE 4 – COLOR CHANGING RESIN (DEIONIZATION)
DI Model 540019 only
Replace filter when resin changes color
DO NOT use with water that is micro-
biologically unsafe or of unknown quality
Water hardness should not exceed
10 grains per gallon or 170 parts
without adequate disinfection before or after per million.
After the water is filtered by the membrane, there is usually a small amount of total dissolved the unit. Operating above this may shorten the
solids (TDS) left in the water. In certain non-drinking water applications, it is important to remove membrane life.
The optimal water pressure is 40-65 PSI.
the remaining TDS from the water. This is accomplished by filtering the water through a resin The supply water pressure should range Reverse osmosis filtered water should
that is charged with cation and anion resins (H+ and OH-). As the resin absorbs the TDS, it will between 40-65 PSI. If the pressure is more not be run through a copper tube.
change color. When all resin has changed color, it is time to replace the DI filter. than 80 PSI, a pressure regulator is required. The pure RO water can leach copper from the
If the water pressure is less than 40 PSI, a pipe, eventually leading to holes in the pipe.
booster pump is needed. The rated 50 or 100
GPD output of the RO unit is calculated using DO NOT operate the unit unattended.
65 PSI.
The optimal water temperature is 77°F.
WARNING: The RO Buddie will remove chlorine, but NOT chloramines. Test your water and/or Using other water temperatures will diminish
check with your local water company to find out if you have chloramines in your water. the effectiveness of the filtration and can
accelerate degradation of the membrane.

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 Models: 540016, 540017, 540019
RO Buddie® Series
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com

WATER SUPPLY INSTALLATION

MOUNTING THE RO BUDDIE
This Aquatic Life RO Buddie includes Option 2:
two options for easy connection to a Your RO Buddie includes a special adapter The Aquatic Life RO Buddie unit can be mounted to a secure
water supply. that will connect to most kitchen and surface. Plastic brackets with screw holes are provided.
bathroom faucets. To install: Use screws designed for the type of surface that the RO unit
will hang on.
Mounting
Option 1: Brackets

Connect to a standard water faucet (often 1

found on the exterior of houses, utility sinks, TIP: The RO Buddie can operate in
and washing machines) with the hose bib a vertical or horizontal position
connection.

USING THE BUDDIE FIT™ PRESS FITTINGS

Remove the existing aerator on the 1 2

Collet
sink faucet.
✓ ✗
Correct Incorrect

2 Blue
Clip

Remove the blue clip from Cut tubing evenly and not
the press fitting. at an angle.

3 Push the tubing into the fitting.

You will hit the first stop.The
Push 2x tubing is still not secured
Thread-in the two-piece sink properly. Push the tubing a
faucet adapter. second time and you will feel
Tubing

the tubing insert completely

(5/8") into the press fitting.
NOTE: To remove
3 a piece of tubing,
remove the blue clip
4 5 and press down on
the collet where the
Pull tubing enters the
fitting. While the
Tubing collet is depressed,
Blue remove the tubing
Clip
from the fitting.

Attach the hose bib connection to the Pull back on the tubing to Insert the locking blue clip
other end of the sink faucet adapter. ensure it is secure. back onto the press fitting.

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 Models: 540016, 540017, 540019
RO Buddie® Series
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com

CONNECTING TUBING FLUSHING THE CARBON CARTRIDGE

IMPORTANT: Review the section titled Supply With both filtered water and waste water lines in the drain, turn on the water supply.
“Using the Buddie Fit™ Press Fittings Water This will flush the filter cartridges prior to installing the membrane and extend the membrane
(previous page) before continuing life. Flush for 5 minutes or until the water is clear coming from the filtered
installation. water line and the waste water line. After the water runs clear, turn off the water supply
and allow the RO Buddie to drain.
Remove the shipping plugs from the supply water,
filtered water and waste water connectors. INSTALLING THE RO MEMBRANE
Remove the tubing attached to the elbow fitting on top of the RO membrane, remove the blue
Remove the blue clips from the press fittings.
clip, depress the collet around the tubing and remove the tubing.
Waste
Connect a piece of the ¼" tubing between the Water Unscrew the membrane housing lid from the membrane housing. Remove the membrane from
faucet adapter and the supply water connection the plastic bag and insert the membrane into the membrane housing.
on the top of the sediment cartridge.
Remove The membrane should be inserted so that the top of the plastic pipe in the membrane is flush
Plugs with the top of the membrane housing.
Connect a piece of the ¼" tubing to where
the water exists the flow restrictor. This is the
waste water to be discarded.
✓ ✗
Connect a piece of the ¼" tubing to the remaining Correct Incorrect
port at the bottom of the RO membrane housing.
This is the filtered water. This line should be run
to your water collection container. Filtered
Water

Install the blue clips on all press fittings

when finished. Replace the membrane housing lid and tighten with the supplied wrench. Reattach the tubing and
replace the blue clip to secure the tubing to the elbow connection on the membrane housing.

IMPORTANT: All RO membranes contain a preservative to keep them sterile. It is important to flush
Push in Tubing and the preservative out of the membrane prior to using the filtered water.
install Blue Clip

FLUSHING THE RO MEMBRANE

Blue All RO membranes contain a preservative to keep them sterile. IT IS IMPORTANT TO FLUSH
Clip See Video THE PRESERVATIVE OUT OF THE MEMBRANE PRIOR TO USING THE FILTERED WATER.
Turn on the water to the RO Buddie and allow the unit to run 30 minutes. Discard all the water
from the first 30 minutes of operation.

NOTE: We recommend cutting the tubing with a razor blade or something similar, so the tubing
is not pinched. If the tubing is pinched, it will not seal properly. All tubing connections will have a
IF YOU ARE USING THE RO BUDDIE WITH THE DEIONIZATION RESIN,
“double push” into the connectors. You should feel a two-step insert to verify the tubing is inserted DO NOT CONNECT THE RESIN CARTRIDGE UNTIL THE MEMBRANE HAS
completely into the connectors. BEEN FLUSHED.

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 Models: 540016, 540017, 540019
RO Buddie® Series
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com

INSTALLING THE DEIONIZATION CARTRIDGE (MODEL # 540019) RO BUDDIE FILTER BASICS (cont.)
The color changing mixed bed resin DI cartridge will absorb When the sediment cartridge needs to be changed, the production of water will reduce.
the remaining TDS not filtered by the membrane. By adding Even with reduced water production, the cartridge will not allow anything larger than one
a DI cartridge to the RO Buddie, you can produce zero TDS micron to pass through the chamber. On average the sediment cartridge should be changed
water. When mixed bed resin is new, it is a blue green color. at every other carbon change.
When it gets wet it will change a dark blue color. When the
With proper filter changes, the membrane could last up to two years. The membrane’s water
medium is spent it will change to a light brownish tan color.
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
With the preservative flushed from the new the water, the better the production. It is not advised that you introduce water from your water
Membrane, it is now OK to connect the filtered heater to increase water temperature. The membrane cannot handle temps over 100°F.
water line to the bottom of the DI Cartridge.

Slide into DI
clips Cartridge
Use the included clips to connect the DI cartridge to the Temperature Correction Pressure Correction
front of the RO membrane housing.
Temperature Correction Pressure Correction
F/C Factor PSI Factor

50/10 0.58 10 0.17

60/16 0.73 20 0.33
70/21 0.87 30 0.5
77/25 1.00 40 0.67
80/27 1.06 50 0.83

RO BUDDIE FILTER BASICS 90/32 1.23 65 1

The membrane does most of the work by removing up to 95% of the TDS from your water. The 100/38 1.45 70 1.17
other two included filters protect the membrane from the many malicious elements that shorten 80 1.33
its life. The sediment cartridge removes suspended particles larger than 1 micron (15 times
smaller than a mold spore). 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 get 750 gallons of filtered 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.
The 1,500 gallon threshold is TOTAL water that passes through the unit. The RO Buddie has an
average rejection ratio of 1:3.5. That means for every 1 gallon of good water produced you will TIP: To make more water with your 50 GPD RO Buddie, you can install a 100 GPD Membrane,
reject 3.5 gallons for a total of 4.5 gallons of water passed through the unit. At 1 ppm of chlorine, but you also need to change the 450cc Flow Restrictor to a 800cc Flow Restrictor. (800cc Flow
you can make about 400 gallons of good water before changing the carbon cartridge, Restrictor Part #9000704)
2 ppm you can make about 200 gallons, 3 ppm you can make about 133 gallons, and so on.

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 Models: 540016, 540017, 540019
RO Buddie® Series
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com

UNIT MAINTENANCE REVERSE OSMOSIS TANK ADD-ON KIT

FOR DRINKING WATER
Recommended change 3-6 months or 2,500
gallons total or 650 gallons of filtered water While a reverse osmosis unit can be ideal for drinking water, it is necessary to have a place to
Sediment Filter Cartridge (Item # 330249) store the water. You cannot simply connect any RO unit to a water faucet/tap without certain
Carbon Block Cartridge (Item # 330250) components to allow for proper operation.

12-24 Month Maintenance Watch the video to learn more.

RO 50 GPD Membrane Cartridge (Item # 330084)
RO 100 GPD Membrane Cartridge (Item # 330093)

As Required – By Visible Color Change

Deionization Color Changing Resin Cartridge (Item # 330242)

NOTE: The life span of the filter cartridges, including the membrane, are dependent on multiple
factors. These include the quality of the incoming water supply (TDS levels, chlorine, etc.) as well as
the amount of use. Our recommended replacement intervals are based on average usage. See Video

TROUBLESHOOTING PRODUCT REGISTRATION

• Leaks at the threaded connection: • No water production: Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life product—we know you’ll enjoy it!
If once installed the unit should leak, use Make sure the water supply is turned OFF.
plumbers tape on the threaded fitting. Remove the tubing from the elbow on top
Typically, no more than three wraps will be of the membrane housing, direct the BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION:
required to seal the connection. tubing into a container and turn on the
water. Does the water flow quickly Confirmation of Ownership
• Leaks at the tubing connections: through the cartridges? If not, the
The fittings on the RO Buddie use an Provides a record in the event you need to contact usabout your product in the future.
cartridges likely need to be changed.
o-ring inside of them. This will require the
tubing to be inserted past the o-ring. You • Low filtered water production: Your Safety
will want to make sure that when inserting The RO membrane is rated to produce the Allows us to contact you with importantproduct notifications.
the tubing you feel the initial stop when the stated volume of water based on 65 PSI
tubing first meets the o-ring and a second and a 77° F water supply. If you have one Improved Product Support
stop when you push past the o-ring and or both specifications out of tolerance, Helps us continue to tailor our products and servicesto meet your needs.
meet the end inside the fitting. This is what use the Temperature and Pressure
we call the “double push”. Also, make sure correction factors from charts on
to cut the tubing with a razor or similar previous page.
object so that the tubing is not pinched Register Online at www.aquaticlife.com
and causes the tubing to not seal properly.

TIP: Tubing should insert 5/8" Lifetime Products is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and we appreciate your
inside the Press Fitting when time in registering electronically. If you do not have access to the Internet,
property installed. you can call us at 888-548-3480.

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 RO Buddie® Series
Models: 540016, 540017, 540019
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide

LIMITED WARRANTY
Lifetime Products LLC warrants that this Reverse THIS CONSTITUTES LIFETIME PRODUCTS ENTIRE
Osmosis/ Deionization Unit (excluding cartridges and WARRANTY AND LIFETIME PRODUCTS MAKES
membrane) shall be free from defective components NO OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS
and leaks or cracks due to defects in materials or OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT.
workmanship for a period of one (1) years from LIFETIME PRODUCTS, LLC SPECIFICALLY
the date of purchase. If a defect is shown, Lifetime DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
Products LLC will, at Lifetime Product’s sole INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES
discretion, either repair or replace the product without OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
charge. No cash refunds will be made. This warranty is PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF LIFETIME PRODUCTS,
provided solely to the original consumer purchaser of LLC CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM IMPLIED
the product and may not be transferred or assigned. If WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY,
Lifetime Products chooses to replace the equipment, ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES
Lifetime Products may replace it with reconditioned OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
equipment. Parts used in repairing or replacing the PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION
equipment will be warranted for 90 days from the date TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
the equipment is returned to you or the remainder of
the original warranty period, whichever is longer. LIFETIME PRODUCTS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
This warranty does not apply to damage resulting CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM
from accident, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR
failure to follow safety and installation instructions. UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. LIFETIME
PRODUCTS, LLC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
This warranty will be void if defects occur due to failure ALLEGED DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF MARINE LIFE,
to observe the following conditions: PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

The Aquatic Life RO Buddie Unit should only be Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion
connected to a potable municipal or potable well cold or limitation of incidental or consequential damages
water supply. 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
Do not use with water that is of unknown quality you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
without adequate disinfection before or after the unit. rights that vary by state or province.
• Incoming total dissolved solids (TDS) not to Lifetime Products, LLC shall not have any obligations
exceed 1,800 ppm. under this warranty unless the owner notifies Lifetime
Products, LLC in writing of any alleged defect(s) within
• Incoming water to the RO cannot exceed 100°F. 30 days of discovery of the defect(s).

• Incoming water pressure must be between Any notice to Lifetime Products, LLC must be
40 and 80 PSI. delivered by United States or electronic mail to the
following address: U.S. Mail: Lifetime Products,
• Incoming water pH must not be lower than 2 LLC, 9710 Klingerman St., S. El Monte, CA 91733
or higher than 11. or electronic mail: customersupport@aquaticlife.
com. Lifetime Products shall be allowed a reasonable
period of time to investigate any warranty claim and
• Incoming water iron content must be less than to perform any testing Lifetime Products deems
0.2 ppm. necessary to determine the cause of the defect. This
warranty shall be interpreted under the laws of the
• Incoming water hardness must not exceed State of California.
10 grains per gallon or 170 ppm.
Lifetime Products, LLC
• Do not use outdoors or in a location that is 9710 Klingerman St. | S. El Monte, CA 91733
subjected to direct sunlight or freezing.
Toll Free: 888-548-3480 | Local: 818-768-6943
This warranty will not be effective unless and
until the Aquatic Life product is shown to have [email protected]
been used in accordance with the installation
and maintenance instructions accompanying www.aquaticlife.com
the product.

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