Fleck 5600SXT vs APEC ROES-50
Different approaches to water treatment compared side by side. Best for various water quality situations.
Fleck 5600SXT
Salt-Based Water Softener
$650
VS
APEC ROES-50
Reverse Osmosis System
$200
Fleck 5600SXT and APEC ROES-50 are different types of water treatment systems. The Fleck 5600SXT costs $450 more. The right choice depends on your water data, household size, and which features matter most to you. Check your city's water quality first to understand what you are treating.
Price Difference: $450
The Fleck 5600SXT costs $450 more. The question is whether the differences justify the cost for your situation.
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | Fleck 5600SXT | APEC ROES-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 48,000 | — |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 12 | — |
| Bathrooms Supported | 1–6 | — |
| Regeneration Type | Metered SXT digital | — |
| Resin Crosslink | 8% | — |
| Valve Type | Fleck 5600SXT digital metered | — |
| Salt Usage | ~40 lb bag every 4–6 weeks | — |
| Warranty | 5 years (valve), 10 years (tank) | — |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 44 | NSF 58 |
| Dimensions | 10" x 54" tank + brine tank | — |
| Installation | Moderate (plumbing required) | Under-sink, DIY |
| Water Source | City & Well | — |
| Hardness Removal | Up to 75 GPG | — |
| Iron Removal | Up to 8 PPM | — |
| Stages | — | 5-stage |
| TDS Removal | — | 99% |
| PFAS Removal | — | 95%+ |
| Lead Removal | — | 99% |
| Arsenic Removal | — | 99% |
| Fluoride Removal | — | 97% |
| Flow Rate | — | 50 GPD |
| Tank Size | — | 4 gallons |
| Waste Ratio | — | 3:1 |
| Filter Replacement | — | 0-50/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fleck 5600SXT or APEC ROES-50 better?
It depends on your situation. APEC ROES-50 ($200) is the better value for most homes. Fleck 5600SXT ($650) offers premium features that may justify the cost for larger households or those wanting maximum convenience.
Is the APEC ROES-50 worth it at $200?
APEC ROES-50 is one of the most popular water treatment systems on the market. At $200, it offers strong performance for the price. Budget under-sink RO for lead, PFAS, arsenic, and TDS reduction.
What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) that cause scale. A filter removes contaminants (chlorine, PFAS, lead). They solve different problems. Many homes need both. See our detailed guide. Read our full guide →
Related Guides
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