Next step..

Thank you for the barrel connections, that is great! The Glands are perfect for the drains! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZRGSZ1C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We cut the system to 3 barrels per drain/feed. Drain seems fine, I'm worried about feed overcoming another inline. I know.. I'm overthinking this, yet, am I ???

Thought remains that once each bucket reservoir is full, then any additional water flows through. As long as... the flow does not overcome the drainage. I think this is achieved in either pipe sizing or pump sizing (flow). I've downsized the pump in hopes of a balance...

I purchased some 'T's' if I so feel I need/require. I hope my inline thought of feed and drain will work.

On to testing and hoping someone who reads this has done and can assist.
 

Here's the picture to go along with the above question.




I have T connections coming in tomorrow.  I have my line/tubing and the pump on hand. !st thought is as drawn, Feed from one end, allow flow to pass through all and drain out the other making a simple loop. My fear is that the water inlet will be greater than the outlet and water build up will occur. Being a semi-style wicking system, that could soak the soil.
If I set T's between the barrels to ensure each drains well (equally) I'd need to run a supply/feed to each barrel. I'm tending to lean this way..

Any thoughts??

Rj, could you sketch what your thinking so i can get a better idea of what it is your trying to achieve.

thanks Phil

The Uni seals work great for the barrels. i have several fitted for my tank filter system.

Water flows through the stone and wicks into the soil by evaporation. Give or take a 1/2" space between soil and water separated by the screen material. I manually water this system using a PVC pipe to load the reservoir. I work wonderfully and hope to automate it a bit for this year.