perfect resevoir

what should i use as a reservoir for 12 x 5gallon what should i use as a reservoir for 12 x 5gallon team jug cooler recirculating deep water culture? should i add airstones in the reservoir?

im using a thing called an aerator and a powerhead in one bucket and air pump(s) (wally worlds biggest pumps) with 2 4in stones in another. the bucket with the $20 aerator and $10 powerhead is beating out the other bucket by prob 15% just guessing on that but anywho. peace

Keep in mind with 5ga buckets and 5-6" net pot lids you will only need 3ga in each bucket to be just below the bottom of the net pot

how many gallons should my reservoir be with 36 gallons of water in the buckets?