ok, about the setup, I was getting there, sorry...

So I've read before that a top feed is alot like an NFT, but, lack of experience keeps me from REALLY knowing how to compare the two. Here are a couple pics of my system. There is a 20 gal reservoir, with a small (160gph) recirculating water pump, under the table, which is a flood and drain table, you're right. A 400gph water pump gets the water to 1 main line, then to each plant and drip ring. The drained water goes back into the rez.