How to Install an Aquatic Life Smart Buddie Booster Pump

About the Aquatic Life Smart Buddie Booster Pump

Getting the most out of your RO/DI system often comes down to water pressure. If your incoming pressure is too low, your system will not run efficiently and you will waste more water than necessary. That is where the Aquatic Life Smart Buddie Booster Pump comes in. This plug-and-play upgrade automatically boosts pressure, protects your filters and membranes, and includes built-in features like auto shutoff and backflush to simplify maintenance.

In this guide and in the video above, we will walk you through what the Smart Buddie does, why you might need one, and how to install it step by step so you can maximize the performance of your RO/DI unit.

How to Install a Smart Buddie Booster Pump

Step 1: Make Sure You Have the Right Version for Your Reverse Osmosis System

The Smart Buddie Booster Pump comes in two versions. If you look at the sticker on the front of the unit, you'll see the Gallons Per Day (GPD) rating.

Product Links:

Smart Buddie for 50-100 Gallons Per Day RO Systems

Smart Buddie for 150 Gallons Per Day RO Systems

Step 2: Remove the Flow Restrictor and Auto Shut Off Valve

The Smart Buddie Booster Pump has a flow restrictor and auto shut off valve built into the system, so you'll need to remove those from your RO system before getting started.

Note: Not all RO systems will have an auto shut off valve, but all Bulk Reef Supply brand RO systems do.

Basic Flow Restrictor

Flow Restrictor with Built-In Flush Valve

Auto Shut Off Valve

Step 3: Install Tubing Between the RO System and the Smart Buddie Booster Pump

Remove the shipping plugs from the front six push to connect fittings. To remove the plugs: Remove the blue clip, press and hold the collar down, then pull the plug out at the same time.

3A. Connect Pre-Filters to Smart Buddie

• Identify the tube coming from the last pre-filter stage (typically the carbon block).
• Attach this tube to the top right connection on the Smart Buddie.
• This is the same tube that would normally connect directly to the RO membrane.

3B. Connect Smart Buddie to RO Membrane Housing

• Attach tubing to the bottom right connection on the Smart Buddie.
• Run this tubing to the input side of the RO membrane housing (the side with the removable cap).

3C. Connect Waste Water Line

• Connect the waste water tube from your RO membrane housing to the top middle connection on the Smart Buddie.
• Attach another piece of tubing from the bottom middle connection on the Smart Buddie to a drain.

3D. Connect Product (Filtered) Water Line

• If using a DI resin stage:
  • Connect the product water line to the DI resin stage.
  • From the DI resin stage, attach tubing to the top left port on the Smart Buddie.
• If not using a DI resin stage:
  • Connect the product water line directly to the top left port on the Smart Buddie.
• Finally, attach tubing from the bottom left connection on the Smart Buddie to your bucket, reservoir, float valve, solenoid, or other collection container.

Step 4: Test

• Turn on the water supply to your RO system.
• Plug the Smart Buddie into a nearby wall outlet.
• For safety, always create a drip loop with the power cord before it reaches the outlet.
• Check for any leaks, check system pressure, and ensure water is being produced as expected.

Note: The pump will only operate when it detects water. If no water is present, the unit will remain off.

About the Operation of the Smart Buddie

The Smart Buddie Booster Pump is designed to optimize the performance of your RO/DI system. During operation, it performs the following functions:

Filter Indicator

• The Filter light indicates when the unit is actively filtering water.

Flushing the Membrane

• Flushing helps maintain peak performance by clearing debris buildup on the RO membrane.
• The Smart Buddie automatically flushes the membrane for 45–60 seconds every hour and each time the unit is powered on.
• During flushing, the Flush indicator will illuminate red. After flushing, filtered water production will resume.

Low Pressure Switch

• If source water pressure drops between 4.35 and 7.25 PSI, the built-in low pressure switch will disconnect power to protect the pump.
• The white Lack indicator will illuminate when this occurs.

High Pressure Switch

• When connected to storage containers with float valves or pressure canisters, back pressure may build on the filtered water line once the container is full.
• If line pressure reaches between 33.35 and 36.25 PSI, the built-in high pressure switch will disconnect power to prevent water flow to the membrane.
• The blue Full indicator will illuminate when this occurs.

Pressure Pump

• The pressure pump increases incoming water pressure to 80-90 PSI.
• This higher pressure improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the RO membrane.

Troubleshooting

Unit will not power on

• Confirm the unit is plugged into a working outlet. At least one of the four lights on top should be illuminated if power is present.
• Make sure the supply water is turned on. The pump will not run if it does not detect water.

Unit turns on and off repeatedly

• Check that the float valve is sealing correctly.
• Install an on/off valve on the filtered water line. When the valve is closed, the pump should shut off.

Tubing shakes or vibrates

• This is normal during operation and not a cause for concern.

Pressure gauge does not change

• A pressure gauge will not move if installed on the supply line going into the sediment cartridge. To read correctly, the gauge should be installed on the supply line going into the RO membrane.

Pressure has dropped

• Sediment and/or carbon filters may be clogged and restricting water flow to the pump. Replace filters if needed.

Unable to remove plugs

• Remove the blue clip, press down and hold the collar, then pull the plug out at the same time.

New unit looks used

• Every Smart Buddie is water-tested before shipping. It is normal to find a small amount of water inside the unit after removing the shipping plugs.