WH: I keep my res is empty and elevated 7 inches off floor, while buckets are full. To check ph I lower res to floor and let nutes drain back into res until buckets and res have same amount of nutes, then I check ph, adjust if needed, and add more nutes or water (if needed). Then I raise res again and let nutes drain back into buckets.

When I first got waterfarm, I too filled res w/nutes. I discovered I was wasting nutes because when I changed out nutes w/fresh (every 6 or 7 days) I was losing nutes already in res. that didn't get used.

When I change I use 2 gal per bucket (16 gal for 8 buckets). I mix nutes into 20 gal. rubbermaid, then pump (w/cheap pond pump) into res and let them drain into buckets, then raise buckets again 7 inches onto 7 inch high bench and let nutes left in res drain into buckets. That way I only make enough nutes for whats in buckets.

This system works great for me. Babies are green, very fruity and very healthy.

Sorry man, I don't have an answer for drip rings. I too have to clean every couple weeks. I use GH floranova w/enhancements. I never have severe clogging, but a couple holes in drip ring get plugged.

Peace, PIF