Requesting help with aeration system.

[FredThompson]

We're seeking advice/guidance to build an aeration system for sealed buckets (aquaponics, not fish) which are used outdoors. I'm asking here because there is a good group of knowledgeable, helpful people here.

We have 30 sealed buckets which are outdoors and in need of aeration. Individual air pumps aren't economical which drives us to a manifold system.

Our current idea is a 1/2-inch drip irrigation tubing "spine" with 1/4-inch drop irrigation "branches" so each bucket has its own line. (check valved, air stones, rate/cutoff regulators yes, of course.)

The biggest current questions:

30 buckets x 4 gallons of water each = 120 gallons of water, max. Let's round that up to 150 gallons. What size pump should we use and which suppliers are reliable?

We tested 1/4-inch drip irrigation barbs through 1/16-inch holes to join the 1/2-inch spine to 1/4 inch branches. There don't appear to be air leaks but it seems sloppy and creates a LOT of places for potential leaks. Are there reliable suppliers for 1/2, 1/2, 1/4-inch tee connectors for aquarium air tubing?

The system is made using a mix of drip irrigation and aquarium components. Aquarium air tubing connectors are used in some places so the system can be disassembled easily for cleaning.

Any advice is appreciated.

[Autumnsky]

This might give some insight on a larger size of system, which would be what 30 tubs would be to me. This could give some ideas.