Pots versus tubes?

I plan on going to hydro again after a few years of dirt and was wondering what i should use re: containers. I have 4" x 3' square tubes (pvc) and also have tubs and pails. The tubes would work out better space wise but is there enough room for root system with 3 mesh pots per tube? I was planning on having a constant flow with bubble tubes in each container. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

youd have to flower straight from clone in those tubes.

I used to run tubes like that, but pump failure is really devastating.. you can lose a crop fast.