Ebb and Flow buckets system reservoir question (light, air, & algae).

I just changed from using individual buckets to an an Ebb and Flow Bucket system. I filled it filled up tonight and like the design so far. The question I have is in regards to my 55 gallon reservoir.

Do I need to make it light proof and airtight? Where the hoses go through the plug hole at the top it lets some light and air in but I do have the system in a fairly dark corner. I would think making the reservoir airtight would cause problems because as water leaves it needs to be replaced by air.

I have also just added a 500gph submersible pump and have an air pump on the way that I will be adding as well to keep the water moving. I would think the air pump needs a way for excess air to leave the 55 gallon tank. I understand adding a pump can raise res water temps but right now my water is about 10 degrees colder than I would like anyway.

I just want to prevent crap from growing in my res.

Also should I loosely cover the surface area of the hydroton in my buckets? I don't want to block air from getting down there when the system drains but I would like to prevent light form hitting that as well causing stuff to grow. Also it could help keep dried leaves out of the hydroton.

Thanks.

yes, make it light proof
no need to make it air tight
cool water is better than warm water.
cleaning your res with peroxide or bleach in between regular res changes goes a long way towards your goal.
you can loosely cover your hydroton with no ill effects.
no worries of blocking air unless you seal the hydroton/plant container air tight.
some products are designed to keep your res clean.

good luck, you have a very productive system

better to cover your res to dim the light as much as possible. It is not needed to be light proof like a flowering chamber. What chiqi said you have a great system, it is my preferred system hands down