Hi all first off great forum I have learned a lot just by reading a through other threads and journals. I am currently working on my RO setup and was looking for some advice and guidance. I purchased the RO Buddy 4 Stage 50 GPD, and was wondering how others have set this or a similar system up. Mainly what are you using for a reservoir, how is it plumbed, float switch, etc.
Any pictures of a well functioning setup and advice would be great. Thanks in advance!
2 Likes
Welcome to the community. I am currently a hand water kind of guy.
I use small Zero Water filter. No reservoir needed.
Do love Starting off with less than 6 ppm in my water.
Welcome aboard.
1 Like
I used that same unit for my grows in SoCal and what I did was go to my local car wash and acquired a 50 gallon plastic drum that had contained soap. Did a thorough washing of that and would run the R/O buddy into that until full. Found a small submersible pump that fit through the opening and pumped into 5 gallon buckets for use.
3 Likes
Not the 50 but pretty much the same. the float they supplied doesn’t work.
There’s a submersible pump that moves the RO to the nutrient res (not pictured.) The nutrient res has a pump that moves the nutrients to the room or bucket.
Thanks @Mosca @Myfriendis410 @Low this is exactly the information I was looking for you folks are awesome. I found some 50 gal plastic drums I can order, but I also came across some heavy duty 32 gal trash cans with wheels at the local home depot that might work as well. I will keep you guys posted Thanks again
3 Likes
Here’s mine.
I attached the unit with a chain around a 55 gal drum, put a small float in the bunghole on the right, and a drop tube down the bunghole on the left. A small RV pump (w/12v adapter) attached to the drop tube with a length of tubing for filling larger jugs, and the bladder that came with the RO kit connected to the faucet for small bottles. The drain, saddle valve to existing plumbing, and bladder are all located behind that OSB in this basement closet.
I used a pack of one-touch valves off Amazon for isolating individual lines, so I could run multiple gallons out of the drum for bigger changeovers/fills, while not draining the bladder if I wanted, as the bladder also has a line ran directly to my RDWC setup some 15 feet away. I can fill or drain the drum and bladder independently or in tandem.
I’ve also seen an elevated tote with a float used for a gravity feed, but I wouldn’t use that for drinking or cooking, etc., whereas I tried to use all food grade components in my build.
1 Like
Thanks @Bubbala I really appreciate all the detail and you taking the time to explain your setup. Im going to check out the one touch valves and will probably order. I was thinking about using food grade components so maybe ordering the 50 gal from somewhere like uline and waiting would be a better approach vs a garbage can
2 Likes
I mounted mine under my bathroom sink. I just added a valve off my cold water feed, and tapped the waste line right into the drain pipe.
I ran the R/O output line long enough to make it to my tub where I fill 5 gallon water jugs. I used one of the caps from the jugs with a shut off valve on the end of the line, so I can just pop it on or off a jug. I do it in the tub because sometimes I forget it’s running and overflow them.
2 Likes
Whew, glad I’m not the only one!
My RV pump is around a gal/minute, and even setting the timer on my phone filling a 6 gallon jug, I still managed to end up shop vaccing the carpet once in a great while 
2 Likes
Thanks! @Cap_Ron this is another really interesting approach really like the idea of sending the waste right into the drain pipe. I never thought I would get this level of detail and explanation, amazing community you folks have here!
2 Likes
Yep, that’s typically how they’re meant to be installed - under the sink, then plumbed pretty similar to a dishwasher, but cold instead of hot
(I just happened to have the basement sump right nearby, so kinda went with it)
2 Likes
The 5 gallon jugs work perfectly for me. I make sure to always have around a dozen of them filled, and I mix my nutrients right in them.
Before @Bulldognuts turned me on to the R/O Buddy, I was having jugs delivered monthly from Culligan, but this was definitely a problem as far as exposure goes. My neighbors must have been suspicious why a single dude living alone in a trailer was so damn thirsty, lol. This is what it looked like on the day the truck was coming to pick up my empties!
2 Likes
Lots of ways to skin a cat as they say…
Once you get the concept down (which is pretty easy), then it’s just a matter of working with what ya got. 
2 Likes
Seeing a truck load of water bottles isnt un heard of here, sometimes windmills break, cows drink 20 to 30 gallons daily.
But on the porch, wonder how long he spends in the bathroom. Thirsty. Lol
2 Likes
@Cap_Ron lmao! Thats a lot of water! I have been doing the old 5 or 10 one gallon distilled jugs from the store for too long. I truly appreciate all the different ideas the 5 gal maybe the best way for me to go, I am just limited to what I can lift due to a recent big surgery. I was originally drawn to the idea of a larger reservoir closer to the grow which I can pump out of when needed, but perhaps a 5 gal filled closer or with the help of a little cart might be the best way to go. This is why I am so glad I asked on here to get others ideas/setups. Thanks again hope everyone is having a great weekend!
2 Likes
I had hip surgery this summer, so had a few options for heavy water transport before that.
The RV pump hose is also about 20 feet long, so I can drag that out too if need be.
The remote switch for the pump is a handy $15 add on.
2 Likes
@Bubbala Thanks! I was thinking something along the same lines. Wish you a speedy recovery!
1 Like
Our setup isnt for big operations, but hand water, a brita filter is cheaper, but not as efficient as the Zero Water.
Zero water has ppm pen installed. When filter is on last uses, 6 ppm is your starting point. With jacks321, 994 ppm is jacks.
Some tap water is 300 ppm, thst leaves 700 ppm of jacks for full flower. I like the 994 ppm.
My vegitation growth has been amazing since dialing nutes to the stage of the plant.
1 Like
Stay away from trash cans with wheels weak points for heavy water loads. Stick with brut or other solid molded cans. If you need to be able to move it around get the bases with wheels that cans sit on. These wheels can break also with water loads… Last thing you want is a room full of water. Been there done that.
If your looking at 30g you’d likely be looking at the 50-55 later. I’d jump straight to the larger reservoirs. They are strong and last forever. Garbage cans, all cans, leak eventually. Been through 6 or so in the last 3 years and they stayed stationary.
This little Milwaukee hand cart is perfect for the 5 gallon jugs. I only need it when my back is acting up, but when that happens, it’s a life saver. It folds up so small that it sits behind the door of the grow room and takes up no space. It’s a shame that it’s 50 bucks now. When I got mine several years ago it was only 25.
1 Like