Most would say stay away from clear tube. If light can get to it it can grow algea but then you would see that and know it. I was just looking at waterfarm buckets and they have tranlucent blue line connecting thier buckets.You can see the water. Just keep as much light out of the rez and buckets as you can.
sounds like it's almost there. As far as nutrients go all that are sold for hydro are formulated for one plant only. So more money doesn't mean you always get more. General hydroponics 3 part are what most all use. Yes peeps like canna and I would like to try dutchmasters when I get a chance.

Hang in there and good luck.