Review: As a dedicated aquarium enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to improve water quality for my finned friends. That’s why I was intrigued by the Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI Four Stage Reverse Osmosis Deionization Unit.
Could this compact powerhouse deliver the pristine water my aquatic pets deserve?
What is the Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI?
This nifty device is a four-stage reverse osmosis and deionization system designed to produce up to 50 gallons per day of zero TDS (total dissolved solids) water. It’s specifically crafted for aquarium use but has applications beyond the fish tank.
The system employs a multi-step filtration process:
- Sediment removal (5-micron filter)
- Carbon filtration
- Reverse osmosis membrane
- Deionization with color-changing resin
One standout feature is its ability to create water with essentially zero TDS, perfect for sensitive marine life and discerning plant enthusiasts.
What’s in the box?
- RO Buddie Plus DI unit
- Mounting bracket
- Tubing and connectors
- Faucet adapters
- Instructions
Technical specs
- Dimensions: 13.75″L x 7.5″W x 6″H
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
- Daily capacity: 50 gallons
- Filtration method: 4-stage (sediment, carbon, RO, DI)
- Power: No electricity required (water pressure-driven)
Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI: Design and Features
Right off the bat, I was impressed by the system’s compact size. It’s refreshingly petite compared to some Big RO units I’ve wrestled with in the past. The translucent filter housings are a smart touch, allowing you to visually monitor sediment buildup and resin color changes.
Four-Stage Filtration
- Sediment Filter: Traps dirt, silt, and rust.
- Carbon Filter: Reduces chlorine and conditions the water.
- RO Membrane: Removes up to 98% of TDS, including harmful contaminants.
- Deionization Resin: Eliminates the remaining TDS for zero impurity.
At the heart of the unit is the reverse osmosis membrane, which does the heavy lifting by removing up to 98% of dissolved solids. The addition of the deionization stage takes it a step further, polishing the water to achieve that coveted zero TDS reading.
I appreciate the flexibility in the setup options. You can connect it to a sink faucet, washing machine spigot, or even use it outdoors with a garden hose adapter. This versatility means you’re not tied to a single location for water production.
The lack of a storage tank might seem like a drawback at first, but I’ve found it liberating. No more worrying about stagnant water or finding space for a bulky reservoir. When you need RO/DI water, you simply turn on the tap and let it flow.
Installation and Setup
As someone who’s fumbled through complicated RO installs before, I was pleasantly surprised by the straightforward setup of the Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI. The included quick-start guide provides clear instructions, and the color-coded tubing makes connections a breeze.
I opted for a temporary setup in my laundry room, connecting to the washing machine hookup. Within about 30 minutes, I had the system mounted and ready to go. The first test run was a moment of truth; watching that TDS meter drop to zero as crystal-clear water trickled out was oddly satisfying.
One minor hiccup: the initial water flow was slower than I expected. After some troubleshooting, I realized my home’s water pressure was on the low side. A quick adjustment to my pressure regulator solved the issue, bringing the production rate up to par.
Performance in Action
This system’s performance has been impressive. It produces about 2 gallons of purified water per hour, assuming optimal water pressure and temperature. I use a bucket to collect the water for my aquarium, and the system’s efficiency has made maintenance much easier.
The Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI has significantly reduced the TDS levels in my water, which is crucial for the health of my fish and plants. The color-changing resin is a convenient feature, visually indicating when to replace the deionization cartridge.
What I Like
- Effective Filtration: Removes virtually all contaminants and TDS.
- Compact Design: Saves space and fits easily in small areas.
- Ease of Installation: Quick and simple setup with clear instructions.
- Versatility: Suitable for various applications, including aquariums, humidifiers, and specialty plants.
- Cost-Effective: Provides high-quality filtration at an affordable price.
Areas for Improvement
- Additional Prefilter Needed for NYC: Users in the NYC area might need an extra prefilter due to specific water quality issues.
- Not Effective Against Chloramines: The carbon filter doesn’t remove chloramines, so it’s essential to check your water supply before purchasing.
For my reef tank, the ultra-pure water has been a game-changer. Coral growth has noticeably improved, and I’ve seen a reduction in nuisance algae. My freshwater planted tank has also benefited, with easier control over mineral content and pH.
Beyond aquariums, I’ve found myself using the RO/DI water for various household tasks. From spot-free car washing to crystal-clear ice cubes, the applications seem endless.
Final Thoughts
The Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI strikes an impressive balance between performance and practicality. For hobbyists seeking lab-grade water purity without the complexity of industrial systems, this unit delivers.
While it may not be the fastest producer on the market, its compact size and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for those new to RO/DI technology. The ability to create zero TDS water on demand is a powerful tool for any serious aquarist or plant enthusiast.
If you’re ready to take your water quality to the next level, the RO Buddie Plus DI is worth a serious look. Just be prepared to embrace a bit of patience. Good things come to those who wait, especially when it comes to perfect water.
Price: $69.99
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon
Hi, I’m Engineer Hm Jamal, founder of Green Mark Engineering. With 13 years in the home improvement industry, I’m passionate about creating sustainable, high-quality solutions for homes. My focus is on making your home improvement experience smooth and successful. Whether it’s a renovation or a new project, I’m here to ensure it’s done right.
