I have the system from PA hydroponics that you posted and I love it. I got the DIY 4 buckets 8 gallon one with no holes drilled and no pvc pipe. I also built it in a straight line with no water falls. The pump is pulling from the last bucket in the line and water falling into the reservoir, each bucket including the reservoir have an airstone. I use advanced nutrients and it does a very good job of keeping the ph balanced. I skimmed through the rest of the trend but did not read in detail. If you have anything specific that you want to know 8m happy to help.