AquaticLife Barrel Buddie 270669 Owner's manual

Barrel Buddie™
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide Model# 270669
1
Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life
Barrel Buddie™ Smart Fill Controller.
When maintained properly, this unit
will provide you with years of service.
OVERVIEW
The Barrel Buddie will monitor the water
level at both high and low points in your
barrel or container. When the lower sensor
detects the water level, the low voltage
solenoid will open and allow water to flow
into the container. When the water level
reaches the upper sensor, the solenoid
will close.
Unlike float valves or auto top-o systems,
the Barrel Buddie reduces TDS creep by
allowing the RO unit to only operate once
to fill the container. This will improve the
overall TDS in your collection container and
prolong the life of your DI resin if you are
using DI filtration.
There are additional features to the Barrel
Buddie, so please review this entire guide to
understand the benefits and requirements.
WARNING: Please read
carefully before proceeding
with installation. Your failure to
follow any attached instructions
and operating parameters may
lead to the product’s failure.
Controller Solenoid
Contents
Power Supply
High Water Sensor
Product Manual
Low Water Sensor
For technical assistance or
warranty issues, contact Aquatic Life at
[e-mail]

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR BARREL BUDDIE BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR BARREL BUDDIE
CONTROLLER
The Controller has four jacks:
➊High Water Sensor
➋Low Water Sensor
➌Transformer
➍Solenoid
Each jack is dierent size and/or design,
so there is no confusion which cord plugs
into which jack.
The Controller will perform the following
functions:
➊Show a solid red LED when the unit
is powered on
➋Open solenoid when low water sensor
is activated
➌Close solenoid when high water sensor
is activated
➍Flash blue LED and sound alarm if backup
high water sensor is activated
In the event of a power outage, the unit
will shut o. Pressing the on button will
activate the unit again.
HIGH WATER SENSOR
The High Water Sensor is actually two sensors
in one. The bottom sensor detects the water
level and closes the solenoid.
There is a second back-up sensor closer to
the magnet attachment. If water should
continue to fill your container and reach the
top sensor, the Controller will flash a blue LED
and sound an audible alarm.
The strong magnet makes it easy to
position the sensor in most plastic and
rubber containers.
LOW WATER SENSOR
When the Low Water Sensor detects the
water fall below the sensor, the Controller
will open the solenoid and allow water to
fill the container.
The strong magnet makes it easy to
position the sensor in most plastic and
rubber containers.
➊
➋
➌
➍On/O Button
Bottom Sensor
Top Sensor
Remove/reposition the sensor
using the easy grip ring.
Also functions as a cord router.

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
SOLENOID
The Solenoid responds to the signals sent
from the Controller. In the event of a power
outage, the Solenoid will close to avoid
overfilling the container.
To prolong the Solenoid life, it should be
placed aer a sediment filter to prevent
becoming plugged with possible debris in
a water supply line.
Ideal operating pressure
is 80 PSI OR LESS.
1 4
52
3
Remove the blue clip from the press fitting. Pull back on the tubing to ensure it is secure.
Replace the blue clip back onto the fitting.
Mark the tubing 5/8" from the cut end.
Push the tubing into the fitting. You will hit
the first stop. The tubing is still not secured
properly. Push the tubing a second time until
it reaches the 5/8" mark.
Cut tubing evenly and not at an angle.
SCAN TO WATCH
How to use
press fittings
NOTE: To remove a piece of
tubing, remove the blue clip,
then press down and hold the
collar while pulling out tubing.
NOTE: Pinched tubing will not
seal properly. Cut the tubing
with the included razor blade
to prevent pinching.
It is important that the tubing
is inserted a full 5/8" into the
press fitting to avoid leaking.
⅝"
⅝"
⅝"
⅝"
⅝"
Blue Clip
Collar
Tubing
PUSH 2x
PULL
PRESS-FIT CONNECTIONS
Plumbing the Solenoid into a water filtration
set-up is easy with the 1/4" Press Fittings on
each end of the Solenoid.
WATER SHOULD FLOW INTO THE PORT
CLOSEST TO THE POWER CORD AND EXIT
THE PORT OPPOSITE THE POWER CORD.
Tubing should be inserted 5/8" into each port
for a water-tight seal.
Refer to next page for details.
5/8"
BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR BARREL BUDDIE USING THE PRESS FITTINGS

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Filtered
Water
Faucet
Sediment
Solenoid
RO Membrane
Carbon
Collection Barrel
Filtered
Water
Faucet
Sediment
Solenoid
RO Membrane
Carbon
Collection Barrel
Step 1 - Mount the low-water sensor in the
collection container using the MAGNET ON
THE OUTSIDE of the container and SENSOR
ON THE INSIDE. Sensor location determines
when the solenoid opens and starts filling
the container.
Step 4 - Locate Controller in a convenient
location for easy access. Connect the sensor
and solenoid cords.
➊Press the On/O button to turn on the unit.
➋The Controller will sense the water level
at the high and low sensors.
➌If the water level is below the low sensor,
the controller will open the solenoid and
begin filling the container.
➍When the water level reaches the
high sensor, the controller will shut-o
the solenoid.
Step 5 - Plug the low voltage transformer
cord into the controller. Plug the transformer
into a power outlet and create a drip loop.
Step 3 - Connect tubing to the Solenoid.
An arrow on the bottom shows water flow
direction. Refer to page 5 on USING THE
PRESS FITTINGS to ensure a water-tight seal.
When connecting to a RO or RO/DI unit, the
Solenoid should be placed aer the sediment
and before the carbon cartridge if possible.
Step 2 - Mount the high-water sensor in the
collection container using the MAGNET ON
THE OUTSIDE of the container and SENSOR
ON THE INSIDE. The bottom of the sensor
determines when the solenoid shuts o,
stopping water to flow to the container.
BARREL BUDDIE OPERATION
Magnet on
outside of
container
Magnet on
outside of
container
High Water
Sensor
Transformer
Drip Loop
Low Water
Sensor
Solenoid
5/8"
Sensor on
inside of
container
Sensor on
inside of
container
Faucet
Filtered
Water
Waste Water
to Drain
RO Membrane
RO Membrane
Carbon Carbon
Sediment
Pressure
Guage
Auto Shut-o
Solenoid
IN OUT
Flow
Restrictor
Shut-o
Valve
Elbows with
Check Valve
Solenoid
Collection Barrel
Adjustable Float
Low Water
Sensor
Adjustable
Float
High Water
Sensor
TIP: Install a float valve as a back-up on the
filtered water line going into your collection
container. The container will fill from the
float, but the float should never activate
unless for some reason the Barrel Buddie
is not available to shut-o the water.
(e.g. You remove the Barrel Buddie sensor
for cleaning and forget to reinstall it).
BARREL BUDDIE INSTALLATION BARREL BUDDIE INSTALLATION
NOTE: If you must place the solenoid aer
the carbon cartridge(s), always remove
the solenoid when flushing new carbon
cartridges to prevent carbon dust from
plugging the solenoid screen.

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Filtered
Water
Faucet
Sediment
Solenoid
RO Membrane
Carbon
Collection Barrel
Installation
A
Plumbed to a
50 or 100 GPD RO Buddie®
filling a barrel

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Sediment
Carbon
RO Membrane
Filtered
Water Waste Water to Drain
Drip Loop
Solenoid
Faucet
Collection Barrel
Installation
B
Plumbed to a
50 or 100 GPD RO Buddie® with
Smart Buddie Booster Pump
filling a barrel

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Collection Barrel
Filtered
Water
Sediment
Carbon
RO Membrane
DI Resin
Faucet
Solenoid
Installation
C
Plumbed to a
75 or 100 GPD Twist-In RO/DI Unit
filling a barrel

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Collection Barrel
Waste Water
to Drain
Drip Loop
Sediment
Carbon
RO Membrane
DI Resin
Faucet
Solenoid
Filtered
Water
Installation
D
Plumbed to a
75 or 100 Twist-In RO/DI Unit with
Smart Buddie Booster Pump
filling a barrel

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Filtered
Water
Faucet
Sediment
Humidifier
RO Membrane
Carbon
Solenoid
Water
Reservoir
Installation
E
Plumbed to a
50 or 100 GPD RO Buddie®
filling a humidifier tank
or reservoir

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Barrel Buddie™Model# 270669
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Faucet
Filtered
Water
Waste Water
to Drain
RO Membrane
RO Membrane
Carbon
Carbon
Sediment
Pressure
Guage
Auto Shut-o
Solenoid
IN OUT
Flow
Restrictor
Shut-o
Valve
Elbows with
Check Valve
Solenoid
Collection Barrel
Adjustable Float
Installation
F
Plumbed to a
200 GPD RO Hydroponics Unit
filling a barrel

Barrel Buddie™
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide Model# 270669
LIMITED WARRANTY
Lifetime Products LLC warrants that this Barrel Buddie
shall be free from defective components due to defects
in materials or workmanship for a period of one (1) year
from the date of purchase. If a defect is shown, Lifetime
Products LLC will, at Lifetime Product’s sole discretion,
either repair or replace the product without charge. No
cash refunds will be made. This warranty is provided
solely to the original consumer purchaser of the product
and may not be transferred or assigned. If Lifetime
Products chooses to replace the equipment, Lifetime
Products may replace it with reconditioned equipment.
Parts used in repairing or replacing the equipment will
be warranted for 90 days from the date the equipment is
returned to you or the remainder of the original warranty
period, whichever is longer.
This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from
accident, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, failure
to follow safety and installation instructions.
This warranty will be void if defects occur due to failure
to observe the following conditions:
• Water flowing through the unit is free of
particulate matter.
• Water flowing through the unit is below
40°F or above 100°F.
• Water pressure is more than 80 PSI.
• Do not use outdoors or in a location that is subjected
to direct sunlight or freezing.
This warranty will not be eective unless and until
the Aquatic Life product is shown to have been used
in accordance with the installation and maintenance
instructions accompanying the product.
THIS CONSTITUTES LIFETIME PRODUCTS ENTIRE
WARRANTY AND LIFETIME PRODUCTS MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT. LIFETIME
PRODUCTS, LLC SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF LIFETIME
PRODUCTS, LLC CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM IMPLIED
WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, ALL
SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION
OF THIS WARRANTY. LIFETIME PRODUCTS IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR UNDER
ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. LIFETIME PRODUCTS, LLC
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL ALLEGED DAMAGES FOR LOSS
OF MARINE LIFE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages
or exclusions or limitations on the duration of implied
warranties or conditions, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
that vary by state or province.
Lifetime Products, LLC shall not have any obligations
under this warranty unless the owner notifies Lifetime
Products, LLC in writing of any alleged defect(s) within 30
days of discovery of the defect(s).
Any notice to Lifetime Products, LLC must be delivered by
United States or electronic mail to the following address:
U.S. Mail: Lifetime Products, LLC, 9710 Klingerman St., S.
El Monte, CA 91733 or electronic mail: customersupport@
aquaticlife.com. Lifetime Products shall be allowed a
reasonable period of time to investigate any warranty
claim and to perform any testing Lifetime Products
deems necessary to determine the cause of the defect.
This warranty shall be interpreted under the laws of the
State of California.
Lifetime Products, LLC
9710 Klingerman St. | S. El Monte, CA 91733
[e-mail]
www.aquaticlife.com
UNIT MAINTENANCE
Monthly, or as needed, remove the sensors
and wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Do not use abrasive cleaners on the
sensors. If calcium or minerals build-up
on the sensors, soak in a 50/50 solution of
vinegar and water then wipe clean.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The solenoid does not open when water is
below the low sensor.
➊Ensure the unit is powered on and the red
LED light is illuminated on the controller.
➋Ensure the sensor cord is completely
plugged into the jack on the controller
The solenoid does not close when water
reaches the high sensor.
➊Ensure the unit is powered on and the red
LED light is illuminated on the controller.
➋Ensure the sensor cord is completely
plugged into the jack on the controller.
➌ Check for debris trapped in the solenoid.
Water should be pre-filtered prior to
flowing through the solenoid.