RODI Smart Buddie

[afboundguy]

Anyone running one of those RODI Smart Buddie setups? I need a booster pump and the Aquatec 8800 kit is actually more money than the Smart Buddie setup right now at SWA.com.

Currently I have two Hydros solenoids setup to turn on the supply line and flush for a minute at start up and then flushes every hour. The Smart Buddie does the same thing and I was thinking I could use the Hydros solenoids to create another flush for 1-2 minutes to help with TDS creep with those instead of the DIY version I tried creating but want to see if anyone else has used the Smart Buddie?

 

[bobbravo2]

I had one in Florida. Highly recommend it. Worked for 5 years or so for me.

 

[afboundguy]

I had one in Florida. Highly recommend it. Worked for 5 years or so for me.

Seems to be the general consensus. I ended up buying one and hooked it up the other day but haven't run it as I need to finish setting up the DIY TDS flush I added.

 

[ReeferMedic]

honestly, I think you are complicating it way too much. I have been doing this for quite some time and I have never once flushed my rodi membrane before and after usage. I just do it once in a while whenever I think about it and have a few minutes. I’ve gone 6+ months without flushing at all. Always 0 TDS and never a problem with water quality. Just my personal experience. Not trying to tell you how to do anything. I think they push this stuff just to sell more products and wear out membranes quicker.

 

[Cooper2]

The ro buddy is great but it isn't up to the task for above 100gpd systems. Mine was great when paired to a 90gpd spectrapure system. It does have a flush function but it only works when power cycled, so be sure to unplug or connect to a switched outlet.
As far as flushing the membrane, it seems logical an accumulation is going to happen on the outside or dirty side of the membrane and getting it out is in your best interest. I have a couple TDS meters and use one sensing between the membrane and first resin filter. There is also a T and 2 valves just after it. I use the valves to shut off flow to the resin and dump the water coming from the membrane until it settles and any creep or TDS spike is flushed out. When membrane output is 4TDS i flip the valves and flow through the resins. My resin no longer takes a hit on start up and lasts much longer. In Foxboro my water has about 175 TDS coming from the street, but the number on startup is higher due to concentration from last use. It seems to me flushing that out before it even gets to the resin is without doubt the best way to operate an RO system. I am the auto flush.....lol

 

[Chris.Reef]

The ro buddy is great but it isn't up to the task for above 100gpd systems. Mine was great when paired to a 90gpd spectrapure system. It does have a flush function but it only works when power cycled, so be sure to unplug or connect to a switched outlet.
As far as flushing the membrane, it seems logical an accumulation is going to happen on the outside or dirty side of the membrane and getting it out is in your best interest. I have a couple TDS meters and use one sensing between the membrane and first resin filter. There is also a T and 2 valves just after it. I use the valves to shut off flow to the resin and dump the water coming from the membrane until it settles and any creep or TDS spike is flushed out. When membrane output is 4TDS i flip the valves and flow through the resins. My resin no longer takes a hit on start up and lasts much longer. In Foxboro my water has about 175 TDS coming from the street, but the number on startup is higher due to concentration from last use. It seems to me flushing that out before it even gets to the resin is without doubt the best way to operate an RO system. I am the auto flush.....lol

They do make different sized units. 50-100gpd, up to 150gpd, and 150-200gpd.

 

[afboundguy]

@Cooper2 they just came out with a 150 GPD version as @Chris.Reef mentioned... Smart Buddie Booster Pump for 150 GPD Reverse Osmosis RO/DI Systems - Aquatic Life