looks very cool, just a shame that the circle isn't closed. you need a separate unit to close the gap up. if it's on wheels you can slide it open to get inside for maintenance. those roots certainly seem to be living the life in those tubes
yep thrips was my first thought too. they are easy to kill, just get a product for use on tomatoes that will kill thrips. neem will get them, so will phyrethrum, probably even a mild soapy water spray will do it.
Doubt its thrips man. You would be able to see them all over bc they reproduce FAST. Also thrip damage turns the leaves almost silvery looking and there are TONS of small black dots all over. VERY easy to spot.
If it is thrips get you some spinosad (available at Home Depot) and they will quickly be a thing of the past. Very easy to deal with.