Need help configuring local DNS the right way

Hey,

I started my OPNsense journey last week, most things went smoothly and my setup is working well however I have some confusion regarding how OPNsense works with an alternative local DNS server.

My setup:

– OPNsense as router / firewall

– Technitium cluster running on different servers in LAN

My goal:

I would like to have OPNsense perform all functions (DHCP etc.) except DNS resolution, I want my technitium cluster to handle all DNS queries.

My attempts:

1. Turned off Unbound, changed port to 53 on DNSMasq, added technitium IPs in System > Settings > General

   This works, only downside is that my technitium zones don't work, I have to use hosts to redirect hosts to my reverse proxy server.

2. Unbound enabled, added technitium IPs under query forwarding (Forward first enabled), no changes made to DNSMasq

Doing this, Unbound continously acting as a resursive resolver alongside technitium.

My question:

1. How can I make technitium zones work? Do I need to disable DNSMasq and let technitium handle DNS + DHCP?

Appreciate the help.