these pics might help make sence. this system was in a constant state of improvement/trials/failures for the last two years.
at one time I top fed with a loop as well as internal spray but this caused white salts to form on the rocks, so the 1/4" line was eliminated

Daddy
Daddynobucks Reviewed by Daddynobucks on . Daddys Garden Hydroton in 6"net pots, set in 6" netpot 5gal bucket lids with the net cut off so the 6"pots can be started in a ebb and flow tub 3-5 min on and 40-120 off, the max and min.without causing overwater wilt 18hrs floro twin 40watters for starts and early veg,then 18hrs veg under one 1000watt halide. 11.5 hrs flower under one 1000wattHPS and one 1000watthalide seeds and clones from clones from clones until bugs,then wipe clean start seeds again never have a mother. 5gal bucket grow Rating: 5