I agree. All you are trying to do is recreate the ocean at a miniscule scale - even if you had a 10k gallon tank (and mine is only 60).
Since I don't have a sump (due to room constraints), I currently use biopellets, a bit of chaeoto in a DIY refugium made from an old protein skimmer (another story but it works), a HOB filter built for a 90 gallon tank, and HOB protein skimmer built for a 100+ gallon tank. I also added a DIY dosing system so I don't shock the tank with the vodka (or any other chemicals) - and this also tops off the tank daily since it adds about a gallon of fresh water a day. I also do 15-18% water changes about every 2-3 weeks.
Like I said in a previous post, before I started this vodka method, my nitrates would get to about 40ppm - not a real problem - and it would then go to about 10-15 after the change. After I have started this vodka method, and I follow the directions closely, I did a water change last night and this morning, the nitrates are at 0.
I know not everyone agrees with this and it is early - I understand things could go south at any time - but right now, everything in the tank looks vibrant, active, everything is eating the way it should, and I am monitoring it closely.
Wish me luck!