Hello sander,
First is this supposed to be another temporary system? As you already found out trying to grown them in the NFT system, they will quickly outgrow this five gallon bucket system as well.
1. When you transplanted them into the buckets, did yo damage any of the roots?
2. What are the water and air temperatures?
3. Do you have any pictures of the air
pump and stones with bubbles coming out?
4. Does the blubber make the water look like water boiling at a heavy rolling boil?
5. Do the leaves droop when in direct sunlight, and perk back up when their in the shade again?
6. What's the water level in the buckets in relation to the baskets?