Well, I've been happy with my setups just using an empty tank and adding some maricultured live rock and/or live sand. I wouldn't bother with all those divisions and equipment. Here's two of my sumps and the tanks they're for:
500 Tank and Sump
https://youtu.be/ZwrMDTGfYKo
https://youtu.be/_Uf5IyXvajg
240 Tank and Sump, started in 1997
https://youtu.be/WDj0daKV2B8
https://youtu.be/dh_nLhj1QXc
Our understanding of the roles of microbes and microbial processes has changed tremendously over the last couple decades since 16S DNA testing has become available for researchers to use. Forest Rohwer's book "Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas" (kindle ~$10) is an excellent introduction to complex roles of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and how it influences microbial processes and I would encourage you to get it. Here's four videos you might find informative:
Forest Rohwer "Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R2BMEfQGjU
Changing Seas - Mysterious Microbes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7hsp0dENEA
Nitrogen cycling in hte coral holobiont
https://youtu.be/DWItFGRQJL4
Richard Ross What's up with phosphate"
https://youtu.be/ZRIKW-9d2xI