looks like you only filled the bucket about half way with hydrton, try filling it to the top
yeah i agree this looks like a half filled bucket. mine get like that though and never go into the bottom bucket really. thinking about drilling out the holes a little bigger and see how it works.
they are bound no doubt but what can ya do unless you want to build a 5gal version. there is a company that does make a 5 gal version....
http://bigdaddyshydro.com/Catalog.html
$600 for a 5 gal bucket system.
I'm going to run this system a little longer then switch to a under current 13 gal with 40" centers or build a MPB DoubleD system....