Hey d4twamp,You and I are in a similar position.I have been researching setting up a dwc system for almost 2 yrs now (probably time I got off from the pot and did it huh?).From what I have read and seen it would probably work best for you if you took both buckets and ran them off from a single res.From my non-experienced vantage point it looks as though this simplifies nute changes and adjustments,your just working out of one controller res which can be linked to dozens of buckets.

I had a bucket and cover with a 6"net pot just laying around along with some Hydroton.I drilled a couple of holes in the cover dropped in a couple of airstones and got the set up going.I rinsed and soaked the hydroton,submerged the plant until the roots were almost completely free of soil and then with the net pot in water I placed the young roots (Stinky's idea,thanks for the hint)on top and covered the rest with the clay pellets.This plant was about four inches tall compared to others it sprouted up with that were 18"-24" after two months.I figured what would it hurt if the little one didnt make it.To my suprised after a few days Im seeing some pretty amazing growth.its making me wish I switched to the "dark side" years ago.Sorry I didnt mean to hijack your thread.Hope this helps.i would say just keep looking in this site and others,there are some great and informative tutorials out there.Good luck to ya,take care and be well,and most of all be safe.