AquaticLife 540371 Technical Document

STAGE 1 –
SEDIMENT FILTER
Recommended change 6 months
The first stage of your RO/DI unit is a five micron Sediment
Filter that traps sediment and other particulate matter like
dirt, silt and rust which will affect the taste
and appearance of your water.
STAGE 2 –
CARBON BLOCK FILTER
Recommended change 6 months
The second stage of your RO/DI unit is a Carbon Block
Filter. The activated carbon in the filter reduces chlorine
and conditions the water prior to the RO Membrane.
STAGE 3 –
RO MEMBRANE
Recommended change 2 Years
The RO Membrane reduces impurities known as Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) from the water down to 1/10,000
of a micron, reducing arsenic, lead, parasitic cysts, copper
and more. Because the process of filtering the high quality
water takes time, it is common to use a storage tank to
collect filtered water, making it available on demand.
STAGE 4 –
COLOR CHANGING RESIN (DEIONIZATION)
Replace filter when resin changes color
After the water is filtered by the membrane, there is usually
a small amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) left in the
water. In certain non-drinking water applications, it is
important to remove the remaining TDS from the water.
This is accomplished by filtering the water through a resin
that is charged with Cation and Anion resins (H+ and OH-).
As the resin absorbs the TDS, it will change color. When all
resin has changed color, it is time to replace the DI filter.
OVERVIEW
Reverse Osmosis is the process of removing contaminants
from tap water using a special semi-permeable membrane.
By applying water pressure across the membrane,
contaminants are concentrated on one side of the
membrane and filtered water on the other side of the
membrane. This is why Reverse Osmosis units have a
waste water line as well as a filtered line.
In addition to the membrane, water is filtered prior to the
membrane with a sediment cartridge to remove larger
particulates, and a carbon block to remove chlorine and
other materials.
After water is filtered by the membrane, it passes through
a color-changing resin cartridge where additional Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) are removed from the water.
The cartridges and membrane on your unit are designed
for easy installation and replacement. Each cartridge
connects to the filter housing by simply inserting and
twisting. It is important the cartridges be installed in
the correct order to effectively filter the water.
Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life Twist-In (TI) Reverse Osmosis & Deionization Water Unit.
When maintained properly, this unit will provide you with years of high quality filtered water.
www.aquaticlife.com
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
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.
NOTE: Filter Cartridges and Membrane life may vary
based on local water conditions and amount of use.
S
C
RO
DI

2
www.aquaticlife.com
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
OPERATING GUIDELINES
DO NOT use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or
of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before
or after the unit.
The maximum incoming water pressure for the
unit is 80 PSI.
If the pressure is more than 80 PSI, a pressure regulator
is required. If the water pressure is less than 40 PSI,
a booster pump is needed.
Water hardness should not exceed 10 grains per gallon
or 170 parts per million.
Operating above this may shorten the membrane life.
Reverse Osmosis filtered water should not be run
through a copper tube.
The pure RO water can leach copper from the pipe,
eventually leading to holes in the pipe.
DO NOT operate the unit unattended.
Tools & Materials Recommended for Installation
1 ¼” Adjustable Wrench ¼” Drill Bit (for metal and plastic)
7/16” Open End Wrench Masking Tape & Pencil
Phillips Screwdriver Flashlight
Electric Drill
Contents (Model #540371)
1TI Module (four heads on metal
bracket with screws) 1 ¼" Manual On/Off Valve
1 TI Sediment Filter Cartridge 1 Drain Saddle
1 TI Carbon Block Cartridge 1 Red Tubing, ¼" x 4 FT.
1TI RO 100 GPD
Membrane Cartridge 1 Blue Tubing, ¼" x 4 FT.
1TI Color-changing
Deionization Cartridge 1 Yellow Tubing, ¼" x 4 FT.
1Hose Bib Connection
(fits standard garden hose) 1Installation, Operation
and Maintenance Guide
1
Under Sink Water Line Adapter
(½" Female x ½" Male x ¼"
Press Fit)
2 Flush Cartridges

3
www.aquaticlife.com
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
DRAIN SADDLE INSTALLATION
All Reverse Osmosis units will produce waste water.
The waste water contains high concentrations of TDS, but
would be acceptable to use on plants. Depending on your
installation, you may want to save the waste water for
other uses.
Another option is to connect the Reverse Osmosis waste
line to the drain under a sink. We have included a Drain
Saddle that will fit standard size sink drain pipes.
Step 1 – Locate all pieces of the Drain Saddle
1 – Bracket with
¼" press fit opening
1 – Bracket – solid
2 – Screws & Nuts
1 – Foam gasket
Step 2 – Remove the center punch and peel tape backing
from the foam gasket. Apply the gasket to bracket.
Remove center punch
cont. next page
Remove
tape backing
Apply gasket
as shown
WATER SUPPLY INSTALLATION
This Aquatic Life TI Filter Unit includes two options
for easy connection to a water supply.
Option 1: Connect to a standard water faucet
(often found on the exterior of houses or utility sinks)
with the Hose Bib Connection.
Option 2: Connect to the water supply line.
The under-sink Water Line Adapter connects to the sink
water supply and provides a way to connect the ¼" tubing.
Hand tightening this adapter is usually sufficient. However,
if needed, use a 1 ¼" adjustable wrench.
Connect To
Cold Water
Supply Only
CAUTION: If installing with a garbage disposal
the saddle must be above the disposal.
If a second sink drain is available, install it above
the cross bar on the second sink drain. Installation
of the Drain Saddle below a disposal may cause
the drain to plug.

4
www.aquaticlife.com
NOTE: If your model includes
rubber plugs on any of the ports,
it is now OK to remove the plug
by simply pulling it out of the
press fitting.
Min.
2"
DRAIN SADDLE INSTALLATION (cont.)
Step 3 – The Drain Saddle must be mounted at least 2”
above the nut of the P-trap or cross bar from the garbage
disposal to insure proper drainage. Locate where the Drain
Saddle will be mounted and mark with a piece of masking
tape and pencil.
MOUNTING THE REVERSE OSMOSIS /
DEIONIZATION UNIT
The Aquatic Life TI RO/DI Unit is designed to be mounted
to a secure surface. This will allow for the cartridges to
easily be replaced as needed.
The TI Module includes a metal bracket with screw holes
for easy hanging.
Use screws designed for the type of surface that the
TI Module will hang on. Once the TI Module is hanging
on the screws, tighten the screws to secure the TI Module
to the surface.
Step 4 – Use a ¼" drill bit to make a hole in the drain pipe
where you marked it on the masking tape. Remove the
masking tape and clear any plastic burs/shavings from
around the new hole in the drain pipe.
Step 5 – Align the Drain Saddle with the drilled hole in the
drain pipe. Attach the solid Semicircle Bracket to the
Bracket with the ¼” hole and loosely tighten the nuts by
hand.
Step 6 – Using a flashlight, look into the hole in the Drain
Saddle to ensure it is lined-up with the hole in the pipe.
Once it is aligned, tighten the 2 screws and nuts using a
Phillips screwdriver and open end wrench if needed.
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide

5
www.aquaticlife.com
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
1
3
4
5
2
✓
Correct
✗
Incorrect
HOW TO USE THE BUDDIE FIT™ PRESS FITTINGS
Making the connections with the ¼” tubing is easy with the
Buddie Fit™ press fittings included.
To properly connect the ¼" tubing to the press fittings, follow
these simple steps:
1. Remove the blue clip from the press fitting.
2. Make sure the end of the tubing is cut evenly and not at an angle.
3. 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 and you will feel the tubing insert completely
into the press fitting.
4. Pull back on the tubing to ensure it is secure.
5. Insert the locking blue clip back onto the end of the press fitting.
NOTE: To remove a piece of tubing, remove the blue clip
and press down on the collet where the tubing enters the
fitting. While the collet is depressed, remove the tubing from
the fitting.
Collet
Tubing
Collet Flange
O-ring
Blue
Clip
Tubing
Push 2x
Tubing
Pull
Blue
Clip
NOTE: We recommend cutting the tubing with a
razor blade or something similar so the tubing is not
pinched. If the tubing is pinched, it will not seal properly.
All tubing connections will have a “double push” into the
connectors. You should feel a two-step insert to verify the
tubing is inserted completely into the connectors.

6
www.aquaticlife.com
INSTALL THE COLOR CODED TUBING
The Aquatic Life TI Units include color coded tubing
to help easily identify filtered, incoming and waste water.
This also makes it easier to correctly connect the tubing
to the unit.
Refer to the instructions on how to use Buddie Fit press
fittings before installing the tubing (pg. 5).
Step 1 – Connect one end of the yellow tubing to the
incoming water supply. This will be the Hose Bib or
Under Sink Water Adapter.
Step 2 – Connect the other end of the yellow
tubing to the port on the TI Module closest to the
Sediment Cartridge.
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
Step 3 – Cut the yellow tubing and install the
¼" Manual On/Off Valve in a convenient place
in the water supply line.
Step 4 – Connect one end of the red tubing to the
waste port on the TI module. The other end of the
red tubing should be connected to the Saddle Drain
or secured in a way to handle the waste water.
Step 5 – Connect one end of the blue tubing to the
filtered water port on the TI module. This is the port
closest to the DI Cartridge. The other end of the
blue line should be plumbed to the container that
will collect your Reverse Osmosis/Resin filtered water.
From
Faucet
Waste
Water
Filtered
Water
Plumbing Diagram

7
www.aquaticlife.com
INSTALLING THE CARTRIDGES
Each TI Cartridge uses a triple gasket seal to prevent
water leaks. The cartridges are easily installed into the
TI Module Heads by inserting the cartridge into the head
and twisting to the right.
The TI Module Heads are equipped with a valve that
automatically turns off the water supply to each filter
cartridge when you remove the cartridge. To make the
removal of the filter cartridges easier, the heads and
cartridges can be tilted up as shown below.
IMPORTANT!
Flush Carbon & Membrane cartridges prior to use.
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
Remove: Twist left
Install: Twist right
NOTE: It is important to install the cartridges in
the correct order. Match the cartridge label/color
to the labels that are affixed to the TI Module
Heads. Failure to do so will result in loss of filter
performance and can shorten the lifespan of
the filter.
NOTE: Return new cartridge to down
position after installation.
PREPARING CARTRIDGES FOR USE
The Carbon cartridge may contain carbon dust that must
be flushed out prior to installing the Membrane.
If it is not rinsed, the carbon dust can plug the Membrane
and shorten it’s life.
The Membrane is packaged with a preservative that must
be flushed prior to connecting the Deionization cartridge.
Failure to flush the Membrane will quickly exhaust
the color-changing resin.
Two Flush cartridges have been included to allow
for flushing of the Carbon and Membrane cartridges.
Step 1 – Install the two Flush cartridges on the Membrane
and Deionization heads. Run water through the Sediment
and Carbon cartridge to flush the carbon. Continue to flush
until the water exits clear.
Step 2 – Remove the Flush cartridge on the Membrane
head. Install the Membrane cartridge and flush until
about 30 gallons of filtered water have been produced.
Do not use this water as it contains the Membrane
preservative.
Step 3 – Install the DI cartridge. Unit is ready for use.
Flush
Cartridges
Flush
Cartridge
Flush until
clear
Appx.
30
Gallons

8
Aquatic Life TI Deionization Cartridge
Value 4-Pack (Item # 330390)
Always have a new color-changing resin cartridge on hand
plus save money with the Value Pack. Each pack includes
four cartridges, making it easy to stock-up
for your filtration needs.
Aquatic Life Buddie Fit™ Press Fittings
Easily plumb ¼" water units with these press-fit connectors.
Available in a variety of connections that include adapters to
threaded fittings as well as elbows, tees and check valves.
Aquatic Life Tubing – 50 Ft rolls
Blue (Item # 500297) Red (Item # 500298)
Yellow (Item # 500299)
Ideal for applications where a longer run of tubing is
required. This ¼" polyethylene tubing is durable, flexible and
easy to plumb. Available in Blue, Yellow and Red for quick
identification of supply, waste and filtered water.
www.aquaticlife.com
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE CONSIDERATIONS
Depending on your installation and application needs, you may find other Aquatic Life products helpful with this RO/DI Unit.
Visit www.aquaticlife.com for the complete line of Aquatic Life TI filtration products and accessories.
Aquatic Life Float Valve Kit (Item # 500300)
Fill large tanks, containers, and aquariums automatically. If
using this with a reverse osmosis or RO/DI unit, you will not
need any other components, as this includes the necessary
auto shut-off valve, check valve and tubing.
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide

9
www.aquaticlife.com
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life product - we know
you'll enjoy it!
BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION:
Confirmation of Ownership
Provides a record in the event you need to contact us
about your product in the future.
Your Safety
Allows us to contact you with important
product notifications.
Improved Product Support
Helps us continue to tailor our products and services
to meet your needs.
Register Online at www.aquaticlife.com
Lifetime Products is committed to reducing our carbon
footprint and we appreciate your time in registering
electronically. If you do not have access to the Internet,
you can call us at 888-548-3480.
UNIT MAINTENANCE
6-Month Maintenance
TI Sediment Filter Cartridge (Item # 330377)
TI Carbon Block Cartridge (Item # 330379)
24-Month Maintenance
TI RO 100 GPD Membrane Cartridge (Item # 330375)
As Required – By Visible Color Change
TI Deionization Color Changing Resin Cartridge
(Item # 330380)
MAINTENANCE REMINDERS
The Aquatic Life TI Cartridges include a place
where you can write the date of installation to
make it easy to know when a cartridge needs
to be replaced.
NOTE: The life span of the filter cartridges,
including the membrane, are dependent on
multiple factors. These include the quality of
the incoming water supply (TDS levels,
chlorine, etc.) as well as the amount of use.
Our recommended replacement intervals are
based on average usage.
Model: 540371
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide

Lifetime Products, LLC
9710 Klingerman St. | S. El Monte, CA 91733
Toll Free: 888-548-3480 | Local: 818-768-6943
[e-mail]
www.aquaticlife.com
This warranty will not be effective 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: [e-mail]. 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.
Rev. 04-13-16
THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Lifetime Products LLC warrants that this Reverse Osmosis /
Deionization Unit (excluding cartridges and membrane) shall
be free from defective components and leaks or cracks due to
defects in materials or workmanship for a period of three (3)
years 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:
The Aquatic Life TI Unit should only be connected to a potable
municipal or potable well cold water supply.
Do not use with water that is of unknown quality without
adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
• Incoming Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
not to exceed 1,800 ppm.
• Incoming water to the RO
cannot exceed 100°F.
• Incoming water pressure must be
between 40 and 80 PSI.
• Incoming water pH must not be
lower than 2 or higher than 11.
• Incoming water iron content must be
less than 0.2 ppm.
• Incoming water hardness must not exceed
10 grains per gallon or 170 ppm.
• Do not use outdoors or in a location that
is subjected to direct sunlight or freezing.