Anybody used recirculating DWC??? +++rep for your answer

Hey I have 4 bubble buckets that I want to connect together. Its a pain always checking each one especially with only one strain going. I want to know what is the best way to connect these. I was thinking I would use these:
http://www.stealthhydroponics.com/product.php?xProd=123&xSec=28

They are 16mm and I would use the same size hose to connect to reservoir bucket then from the res I will use my 264gph pump to go to my manifold, then dripper lines with baskets deep into the hydroton.

My concern is that the roots will make their way into the 16mm hose and clog my system causing major flooding. Is this a valid concern or very unlikely? Any better ideas?

Thanks in advance

I use 3/4 inch hydroponic drain fittings like these

These fittings dont leak on five gallon buckets.

They also sell little root blocker thingies that plug into the drain fitting inside the bucket to keep roots out.

Connect the buckets together with 3/4 inch poly hose or any 3/4 inch hose. I use 3/4 inch because it circulates a lot better and makes the system less prone to overflowing. I have an extra bucket connected to the system that we use as a controller bucket for filling and emptying and adding fertilizer. There is a pump in this controller bucket that pumps to the furthest away bucket on the system. The solution gravity flows back through each bucket back to the controller. Each bucket on the system has two of the drain fittings so the water goes through each bucket.

Hope that helps

On another note I notice that the top of my black 5 gallon buckets are warm from my light. I have some aluminum tape but Im not sure if aluminum would help or make it worse. What do you guys do to help insulate your buckets or containers from the heat?