AquaticLife RO Buddie +DI 50 GPD — Compact 4-Stage RO/DI Reverse Osmosis System 190 L/day Aquarium

The AquaticLife RO Buddie +DI 50 GPD is a compact 4-stage RO/DI unit designed for residential use. It delivers up to 50 US gallons (190 L) of purified water per day, about 2 gallons per hour. Its compact footprint fits nano reef tanks, first-time reef aquarists and small spaces (under a cabinet, on a wall).

Installation and Demonstration Videos

The following videos cover the official installation guide from AquaticLife, product demonstrations and user setups for the RO Buddie system. They are featured on the AquaticLife product pages.

4-Stage Filtration

• Stage 1 - 5-Micron Sediment Cartridge: traps sand, rust and particles.
• Stage 2 - Carbon Cartridge: removes chlorine and chemical compounds from tap water.
• Stage 3 - 50 GPD RO Membrane: reduces up to 98% of total dissolved solids (typical rejection rate 1:3.4).
• Stage 4 - Mixed-Bed Color-Changing DI Resin (Item 330242, MBD-30-NG): polishes the water; the resin changes color when spent.

Key Features

• Output: up to 50 GPD (190 L/day) under the manufacturer's optimal conditions.
• Compact footprint: fits under a cabinet or in a small space; wall bracket included.
• No electricity required: runs on water pressure alone.
• Complete install kit: faucet adapter, membrane wrench, 20 ft. of polyethylene tubing.
• Standard housing: accepts standard 11-3/4 in. membranes.
• Optional: adding a Smart Buddie booster pump improves rejection rate up to 1:1.5.

Operating Conditions (AquaticLife specs)

• Suggested water pressure: 60 psi; the 50 GPD rating is measured at 65 psi.
• Maximum pressure: 100 psi.
• Optimal water temperature: 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Maximum: 40.5 degrees C (105 degrees F).
• Typical rejection rate: 1:3.4 (waste water to purified water).
• Dimensions: 7.2 x 4 x 13.8 in. Weight: 4 lb.

Float Valve Compatibility

AquaticLife states that the 500300 auto-shutoff float valve must NOT be used with the RO Buddie +DI 50 GPD (Item 540019).

Cartridge Replacement

• Sediment cartridge: AquaticLife recommends replacing every 6 months.
• Carbon cartridge: replace every 6 months.
• 50 GPD RO membrane: replace every 1 to 2 years.
• DI resin 330242: replace when all resin has changed color.

Use in Reef Aquariums

In a reef aquarium, tap water contains phosphates, silicates, chlorine and metals that can fuel algae and stress corals. The RO Buddie +DI produces water suitable for reef salt mixing and water changes; ideal footprint for a nano reef or an all-in-one tank.

Why Buy AquaticLife at ReefSolution

ReefSolution is a marine aquarium specialty store based in Laval, Quebec, shipping across Canada. To complete your setup:

• AquaticLife RO Buddie Sediment Cartridge - stage 1 replacement.
• AquaticLife RO Buddie Carbon Cartridge - stage 2 replacement.
• AquaticLife RO Buddie Color-Changing DI Cartridge - stage 4 replacement.
• AquaticLife Smart Buddie 200 GPD Booster Pump - booster pump for low-pressure homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does the RO Buddie +DI 50 GPD produce per day?

Up to 50 US gallons (190 L) of purified water per day under the manufacturer's optimal conditions: 65 psi and 25 degrees C.

What water pressure is required?

AquaticLife suggests 60 psi and notes that the 50 GPD rating is measured at 65 psi. Maximum pressure is 100 psi.

Is the RO Buddie +DI suitable for a reef aquarium?

Yes, it fits smaller reef aquariums, nano reefs and all-in-one tanks. For larger tanks or heavier use, the AquaticLife Classic or Twist-In 100 GPD are better suited.

How often should the cartridges be replaced?

AquaticLife recommends replacing the sediment and carbon cartridges every 6 months. The RO membrane is replaced every 1 to 2 years. The DI resin is replaced when all resin has changed color.