Problems with Aquatic Life Booster Pump/RO Buddie

[Alexander1312]

Yeah, I knew my tap water had a lot of sediment, but I never imagined how much. Those RO systems look great, but sadly I do not have the budget to buy a new one right now. I am going to buy two 10-inch water filter housing canisters to run two sediment filters, though I have not decided on the micron rating for each yet, and use them to bypass the smaller Aquatic Life 5-micron sediment filter.

Understand. I learned that the tap water in the Dominican Republic is significantly better than in San Jose, CA.

 

[PjFish]

Wow Ive heard this hobby down in the DR is challenging to say the least and a bit under the radar. Plus barely any saltwater fish shops

 

[Alejandro_1403]

It’s horrible. Only two or three LFSs import fish, and when they do, they charge very high prices. There is little to no variety, but you work with what you have.

I am looking into how to get an import license. Even then, since no one ships fish directly to the Dominican Republic, I would still need a transhipper. They rebag the fish in Florida and then send them here.

 

[psidriven]

Definitely start a tank thread and share your experiences. We all love seeing how reef tanks are done in different countries.

 

[Coral reefer]

Will read the rest later. Are you sure you didn’t mix up the product and the waste lines?

 

[Patio]

Thanks for posting this. I have two ro buddies units giving me this issue currently. first one worked for 3 years while the second one showed same symptoms new out of box. I will reach out to them.

 

[spuri87]

@Alejandro_1403 @Patio are you guys using Float Valve by any chance? I had the same issue with Aquatic Life RO Buddie few months back where TDS would just creep up within few days/weeks of usage.. I found out that they don't advice using Float valves, stating that the DI resin can't 'handle' it basically.. Here is my thread with other details for reference: https://www.bareefers.org/forum/threads/high-tds-after-rodi.39267/

FWIW, I moved on from RO Buddie within a couple of months of use and installed BRS 5 stage that has been giving me 0 TDS for over a couple of months of usage now.. its definitely worth the investment and their prices during thanksgiving made them a no brainer IMO.

 

[Patio]

I am sorry for confusing- I use the booster not the purification unit. This guy with 7 stages: