(Randy & Others) Mangrove & Reef Plants To Feed Display Tank ?

[427HISS]

Hey guys, I'm planning on getting my 125g set up and will be taking my time with it and doing it right. I'm thinking about setting up a tank just for filtration, feeding my 125g display tank with a mangrove plant and other filter plants, next to a west sunlit and a supplemented grow light. It will have a very slow flow rate to this tank and return to the display reef.

I would like your ideas about this system from size of tank, lighting, plants, algae, fish (if any) critters and return pump flow.
Please add any links on here, the internet and video's.

 

[Slocke]

I did this. Had a 45 tall/long with a mangrove and grape caulerpa. Only issue is nitrates got two low. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/opinion-rant-sump-designs-are-overcomplicated.1070327/

 

[427HISS]

I did this. Had a 45 tall/long with a mangrove and grape caulerpa. Only issue is nitrates got two low. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/opinion-rant-sump-designs-are-overcomplicated.1070327/

I can't believe that your fancy tank,..... had nitrates were 50!
Why was that, do you think ?