I am limited on time today, but I will answer one of the questions.
For the fixed rate, it really doesnt matter. If you get a smaller fixed rate you will actually adjust the rate by the dilution ratio of your chlorine. A chemical storage tank with 20 gallons capacity, I dont have my charts but you would simply run the math to find out how to get the ratio up to 1-2 PPM of chlorine. Once you figure out th proper ratio, you will simply mix your chemical storgae tank the same way eveytime.
Example, 1 gallon chlorox + 5 gallons of water into the chemical tank... I will try to have my charts later tonight.
Regenerating less often than every 8 days is fine as long as you are moving water through tthe system. Even enery 20 days is fine. As long as your pre-treatment is adequate. Resin does not compact and lose flow. The media is round, round medias can only compact so much, and it does its maximum compaction during the fast rinse cycle. Irregular medias, GAC, Activated Alumina, Titanium dioxide, turbidex, etc will compact continually and must be backwashed regularly to minimize flow reductions.
Check out the Structural ROMate 40 tanks, USA made, excellent connection options, great warranty, a little more expensive.
Technically, the 5600SXT is not properly rated for a 12" GAC tank. This is a technicality, some people do use it for that. We do not even offer it since it is outside of the design parameters of the valve.
Please, anybody who disagrees with me on the 12" GAC tank, I will not reply back, just check out the major's, the majority of them have removed the 12" tank from their GAC listings in the past 10 years. Or simply go direct to the source and use Flecks specifications.
http://www.pentairwatertreatment.co...tment/Literature/5600SXT Spec Sheet 42749.pdf
Use the 7000 valve for that application, it is a much better valve than the 5600SXT. Higher flow rates, Outdoor rated, no mechanical switching, heavier motor, simpler service, more plumbing installation options, etc... The 7000 was designed during this century, not 30 years ago. Again, please no arguments, we sell thousands of Fleck valves, and I have to deal with every warranty issue myself, the 7000, THE WS1, and the 2510 SXT are the most reliable valves.
Class over for now.