Hydroponics - Help / Advice - DIY setup

Whatsup people. I'm getting into Hydro finally after a few years of Hobbyist growing. I like the independent 5 gallon bucket method (1 plant to 1 container/water source)

This guy uses a submersible pump and it sends it to a top drip method.
QUESTION: I don't understand why this top drip method is needed if it has aerated, nutrient rich water down below for the roots?
I mean it would take a total of one whole day for the roots to reach the water down below, it doesn't make sense to me.

This guy uses an external pump with an elbow. It pumps air as well as being used to add nutrients, check levels pH and nutrients, etc..
This old guy's not growing Cannabis (that we know of lol) but it's still a cool method using the same 5 gallon bucket method.

So I'd like to combine the 2 methods, unless I don't need the drip method. Do you guys have any better suggestions or links to better info?
I don't want to buy a whole hydro system, I prefer to DIY, but suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

Oh here's my current soil plant... if interested.
My @&^% ass cat bit the heads off all my 1 week seedlings, but one survived and I nursed her... and here she is!!!

This one is going to Veg in soil, I'm possibly starting off her clones in hydro though, so i need to brush up!!

Anyways, I'm off track but please give me your ideal setups for a really great hydro system!!! P.E.A.C.E

Oh I forgot, that's pineapple express from Attitude Seed Bank.

You are correct! Drip is for post-nasal. It takes longer than one day for roots to reach the water, but in that time they are fed just fine by the splashing action of a good airstone and a robust air pump. Set you water level so that there is splashing up on the sides of the netpot. better to feed from underneath than on top.

Illegal Smile said:

You are correct! Drip is for post-nasal. It takes longer than one day for roots to reach the water, but in that time they are fed just fine by the splashing action of a good airstone and a robust air pump. Set you water level so that there is splashing up on the sides of the netpot. better to feed from underneath than on top.

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Thanks for the advise, I'm getting all the hydro stuff in the mail in about 4 days, we'll see how it goes!!! Couldn't be sooner either, because my plant is yellowing and curling. I think it's Nitrogen deficient. I have some good nutrients on the way too though, so it should be ok, thanks again!!