AquaticLife Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit Owner's manual

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
1
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 service.
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 ltered water on the
other side of the membrane. This is why
reverse osmosis units have a waste water line
as well as a ltered line.
In addition to the membrane, water is ltered
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 ltered 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 lter housing by simply inserting and
twisting. It is important the cartridges be
installed in the correct order to eectively
lter the water.
WARNING: Do not drink water that has
been filtered with a DI resin cartridge.
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.
For technical assistance or warranty issues,
please contact Aquatic Life at
1-888-548-3480 or 1-818-768-6943
or email
[email protected]
ank You!
See Installation
Video

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
2 3
Contents (Model #540371)
1TI Module
(four heads on metal bracket with screws) 1Under Sink Water Line Adapter w/Valve (1/2” Female x 1/2” Male x 1/4” Press Fit)
1 TI Sediment Filter Cartridge 1 Drain Saddle
1 TI Carbon Block Cartridge 1 Red Tubing, ¼" x 4 FT.
1 TI RO 100 GPD Membrane Cartridge 1 Blue Tubing, ¼" x 4 FT.
1 TI Color-changing Deionization Cartridge 1 Yellow Tubing, ¼" x 4 FT.
1 Garden Hose/Laundry Faucet Adapter 1 Installation, Operation
and Maintenance Guide
1Common Size Kitchen/Bathroom Sink
Faucet Adapter 2 Flush Cartridges
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
STAGE 1 – SEDIMENT FILTER
Recommended change 3-6 months or 2,500 gallons total
 or650gallonsoflteredwater
The rst stage of your RO unit is a ve micron sediment lter that traps sediment and other
particulate matter like dirt, silt and rust which will aect the taste and appearance of your water.
STAGE 2 – CARBON BLOCK FILTER
Recommended change 3-6 months or 2,500 gallons total
 or650gallonsoflteredwater(at1ppmchlorine)
The second stage of your RO unit is a carbon block lter. The activated carbon in the lter
reduces chlorine and conditions the water prior to the RO membrane.
STAGE 3 – RO MEMBRANE
Recommended change 12-24 months
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 ltering the high-quality water takes time, it is common to use a storage
tank to collect ltered water, making it available on demand.
STAGE 4 – COLOR CHANGING RESIN (DEIONIZATION)
Replacelterwhenresinchangescolor
After the water is ltered 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 ltering 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 lter.
S
C
RO
DI

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
4 5
OPERATING GUIDELINES
DO NOT use with water that is micro-
biologically 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ltered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.
WATER SUPPLY INSTALLATION
This Aquatic Life TI Filter unit includes
three options for easy connection to a
water supply.
Option 1:
Connect to a standard water faucet (often
found on the exterior of houses, utility sinks,
and washing machines) with the hose bib
connection.
Option 2:
Connect to the 1/2" 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 sucient. However, if
needed, use a 1 ¼" adjustable wrench.
Option 3:
Your RO unit includes a special adapter that
will connect to most kitchen and bathroom
faucets. To install:
1
2
3
Remove the existing aerator on the
sink faucet.
Thread-in the two-piece sink
faucet adapter.
Attach the hose bib connection to the
other end of the sink faucet adapter.
Connect
To 1/2" Cold
Water Supply
Only
NOTE: Filter cartridges and
membrane life may vary based
on local water conditions and
amount of use.
WARNING: This unit will remove
chlorine, but NOT chloramines.
Test your water and/or check with
your local water company to find out if
you have chloramines in your water.

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
6 7
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 t
standard size sink drain pipes.
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.
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.
Step 4
Drill a ¼" hole in the drain pipe where you
marked it on the masking tape. Remove the
masking tape and clear any plastic burs/
shavings from the new hole in the drain pipe.
Step 5
Align the drain saddle with the drilled hole in
the drain pipe using a screwdriver to ensure
the holes are aligned.
Step 6
Tighten the two screws into the nuts using a
Phillips screwdriver.
Step 1
Locate all pieces of the drain saddle
1 – Bracket with ¼"
press t 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.
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.
Remove
center punch
Apply gasket
as shown
Remove tape
backing
Min.
2"
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.
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.

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
8 9
USING THE BUDDIE FIT™PRESS FITTINGS
Tubing
Push 2x
Tubing
Pull
✓
Correct
✗
Incorrect
1
3
4 5
2
Remove the blue clip from
the press tting.
Pull back on the tubing to
ensure it is secure.
Insert the locking blue clip
back onto the press tting.
Push the tubing into the tting.
You will hit the rst stop. The
tubing is still not secured
properly. Push the tubing a
second time and you will feel
the tubing insert completely
(5/8") into the press tting.
Cut tubing evenly and not
at an angle.
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.
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.
INSTALL THE COLOR-CODED
TUBING
The Aquatic Life TI units include color-coded
tubing to help easily identify ltered, 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 ttings (left) before installing
the tubing.
Step 3
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 4
Connect one end of the blue tubing to the
ltered 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 ltered water.
Step 2
Connect the other end of the yellow tubing
to the port on the TI module closest to the
sediment cartridge.
Step 1
Connect one end of the yellow tubing to
the incoming water supply using one of
the options below.
Waste
Water
Filtered
Water
Plumbing Diagram
From
Faucet
Collet
Blue
Clip
Blue
Clip See Video

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
10 11
CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION
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 o the water
supply to each lter cartridge when you
remove the cartridge. To make the removal
of the lter cartridges easier, the heads and
cartridges can be tilted up as shown (right).
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, carbon dust
can plug the membrane and shorten it’s life.
All RO membranes contain a preservative
to keep them sterile. IT IS IMPORTANT
TO FLUSH THE PRESERVATIVE OUT OF
THE MEMBRANE PRIOR TO USING THE
FILTERED WATER. Turn on the water to
the TI unit and allow to run for 30 minutes.
Discard all the water from the rst 30 minutes
of operation.
Flush cartridges have been included to
allow for ushing of the carbon cartridge
and RO membrane.
Install: Twist right
Remove: Twist left
NOTE: Return new cartridge to down
position after installation.
NOTE: Cartridges must be installed in
the correct order. Match the cartridge
label/color to the labels on TI module
heads. Failure to do so will result in loss
of filter performance and can shorten the
lifespan of the filter.
IMPORTANT: Flush carbon & membrane
cartridges prior to use.
Step 1
Install a ush cartridge on the membrane
and deionization heads. Run water through
the sediment and carbon cartridges for ve
minutes or until the water runs clear.
Step 2
Remove the ush cartridge from the
membrane head and install the membrane.
Run water through the unit for 30 minutes
to ush the preservative out of the new
membrane. DISCARD ALL WASTE AND
FILTERED WATER for the rst 30 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the ush cartridge from the
deionization head and install the deionization
cartridge.
Flush
cartridges
Flush until
clear

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
12 13
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE CONSIDERATIONS
Depending on your installation and application needs, you may nd other
Aquatic Life products helpful with this RO/DI unit. Visit www.aquaticlife.com for the
complete line of Aquatic Life TI ltration products and accessories.
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-o valve,
check valve and tubing.
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 ltration needs.
Buddie Fit™ Press Fittings
Easily plumb ¼" water units with these
press-t connectors. Available in a variety
of connections that include adapters to
threaded ttings as well as elbows, tees
and check valves.
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, exible and easy to plumb.
Available in blue, yellow and red for
quick identication of supply, waste
and ltered water.
REVERSE OSMOSIS
FILTER BASICS
The membrane does most of the work
by removing up to 95% of the TDS from
your water. The sediment and carbon
lters protect the membrane from the
many malicious elements that shorten
its life. The sediment cartridge removes
suspended particles larger than 5 microns
(3 times smaller than a mold spore). The
carbon block removes chlorine. Timely
replacement of the cartridges will increase
the membrane’s life.
The carbon cartridge is the most important
cartridge to change frequently. The carbon
cartridge can lter about 2,500 gallons of
water before being replaced IF your chlorine
level is 1 ppm (parts per million). With a
2 ppm you can lter 1,250 gallons of water
before needing to change, with a 3 ppm
you can lter 833 gallons, and so on. Any
chlorine not absorbed by a spent carbon
cartridge will break down your membrane,
thus greatly shortening its life.
The 2,500 gallon threshold is TOTAL water
that passes through the unit. The Twist-In
RO Unit has an average rejection ratio of
1:3.5. That means for every 1 gallon of good
water produced you will reject 3.5 gallons
for a total of 4.5 gallons of water passed
through the unit. At 1 ppm of chlorine, you
can make about 650 gallons of good water
before changing the carbon cartridge, 2 ppm
you can make about 325 gallons, 3 ppm you
can make about 217 gallons, and so on.
When the sediment cartridge needs to
be changed, the production of water will
reduce. Even with reduced water production,
the cartridge will not allow anything larger
than one micron to pass through the
chamber. On average the sediment cartridge
should be changed at every other carbon
change.
With proper lter changes, the membrane
could last up to two years. The membrane’s
water production rating is based on 77°F
water at 65 PSI. Any deviation from this
will aect the water production. Reference
the conversion table below. You will notice
that the warmer the water, the better the
production. It is not advised that you
introduce water from your water heater to
increase water temperature. The membrane
cannot handle temps over 100°F.
Example
An RO membrane production rate at
77º F, 65 PSI = 100 gallons per day.
What is the production rate at 50º F?
Answer
Use the temperature correction factor
(from table above) = 0.58
New production ow rate at 50º F
is 100 x 0.58 = 58 gallons per day.
The color changing mixed bed resin DI
cartridge will absorb the remaining TDS not
ltered by the membrane. When mixed bed
resin is new, it is a blue green color. When
it gets wet, it will change a dark blue color.
When the medium is spent it will change to
a light brownish tan color.
Temperature Correction
Temp.
F/C
Correction
Factor
50/10 0.58
60/16 0.73
70/21 0.87
77/25 1.00
80/27 1.06
90/32 1.23
100/38 1.45
Pressure Correction
Pressure
PSI
Correction
Factor
10 0.17
20 0.33
30 0.5
40 0.67
50 0.83
65 1
70 1.17
80 1.33

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide www.aquaticlife.com
Twist-In 100 GPD
4-Stage RO/DI Unit
14 15
UNIT MAINTENANCE
Recommended change 3-6 months
or 2,500 gallons total or 650 gallons
oflteredwater
TI Sediment Filter Cartridge (Item # 330377)
TI Carbon Block Cartridge (Item # 330379)
12-24 Month Maintenance
TI RO 100 GPD Membrane Cartridge
(Item # 330375)
As Required – By Visible Color Change
TI Deionization Color-Changing
Resin Cartridge (Item # 330380)
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.
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Leaks at the tubing connections:
The ttings use an o-ring inside of them.
This will require the tubing to be inserted
past the o-ring. You will want to make sure
that when inserting the tubing you feel the
initial stop when the tubing rst meets the
o-ring and a second stop when you push
past the o-ring and meet the end inside
the tting. This is what we call the “double
push”. Also, make sure to cut the tubing
with a razor or similar object so that the
tubing is not pinched and causes the
tubing to not seal properly.
• No water production:
Make sure the water supply is turned OFF.
Remove the tubing from the elbow on top
of the membrane housing, direct the
tubing into a container and turn on the
water. Does the water ow quickly
through the cartridges? If not, the
cartridges likely need to be changed.
• Lowlteredwaterproduction:
The RO membrane is rated to produce the
stated volume of water based on 65 PSI
and a 77° F water supply. If you have one
or both specications out of tolerance,
use the temperature correction factors
from chart on previous page.
TIP: Tubing should insert 5/8"
inside the Press Fitting when
property installed.
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.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life product—we know you’ll enjoy it!
BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION:
Conrmation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 notications.
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.

Model: 540371
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
Twist-In 100 GPD 4-Stage RO/DI Unit
16
3-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.
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 specic 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 noties 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
Toll Free: 888-548-3480 | Local: 818-768-6943
[email protected]
www.aquaticlife.com