Both use a 10 x 54 Vortech tank with 1.5 cubic feet of calcite, and they have about the same service flow. The difference is the valve: the 2510SXT has the stronger backwash. If your water test shows any iron, Aidan recommends the 2510SXT 1.5. The 5600SXT only goes up to this 1.5 cubic foot tank; larger backwashing neutralizers use the 2510SXT. With no iron and no heavy sediment, Aidan usually recommends the non-backwashing 1.5 instead, since it needs no drain and no outlet.

Yes. The Fleck 5600SXT valve plugs into a standard outlet near the tank (not a switched outlet), and every backwash sends water out a drain line to a floor drain, utility sink or standpipe. Use 1/2 inch tubing, or 3/4 inch if the run is longer than 20 feet; drain tubing is not included. While it backwashes, your well must supply about 5 gallons a minute. If you would rather have no drain and no outlet, the non-backwashing 1.5 cubic foot neutralizer does the same pH job.

We recommend one. A non-backwashing tank is the smallest job: an inlet and an outlet, no drain line and no electricity, about an hour or two of a plumber's time. A backwashing tank also needs a 1/2 inch drain line with an air gap (drain tubing is not included) and a standard outlet for the valve, about 2 to 3 hours. Aidan supports your plumber by phone at 800-460-5810, 7 days a week. If you'd rather do it yourself, you can; text Aidan at 443-277-2204 with any questions.

Check the level once a year: hold a bright flashlight behind the tank and look for the shadow of the calcite. When it is about halfway down, add calcite with the included funnel, filling to about 10 inches below the fill port. How long that takes depends on the tank size: about every 6 to 12 months on a 1.0 cubic foot tank, 18 to 24 on a 1.5, 24 to 30 on a 2.0 and 30 to 36 on a 2.5. A calcite and FloMag blend does not change it. You never replace the calcite; it dissolves as it works.

Not noticeably. The Vortech tank has no gravel bed, and its distributor plate spans the whole tank. Pressure drop is not something our customers call about. Rated flow depends on the size (the 2.5 cubic foot non-backwashing tank is rated up to 17 GPM), and this model's number is in the specifications tab above.

The unit ships via freight truck with liftgate service. The driver will lower the pallet to your driveway or curb. You are responsible for disposing of the wooden pallet and cardboard packaging. The tank itself is lightweight when empty and easy to move into your garage or basement before filling it with the included media.