Well, a big part of it is setup. If you set up your tank exactly as you want it, then maintainance is on the low side...after cycling, of course. But, if you set it up without researching all the available options, and just do a "get by" setup, then of course the maintainance gets kicked up a notch. A properly set up tank will run itself...except for water changes, feeding, and supplements, if you choose/need to add them People vary how and when they do water changes. Some do twice a month, some once a month, and some a lot longer...although I can't say it helps their system
. Is it complicated...yes, can you do it...yes, is it an everyday event...yes because you won't be able to take your eyes off of it, is it worth it.....YES, YES, YES!!!!!!
Here's a link to get you started. Welcome, and good luck. This board will be your best source of information. Don't listen to the fish store employees....unless they coincide with the information you get here. Everyone here wants you to have a great system...and most of the time we agree on the best way to get it...even if we don't, you'll still get better information here, and you'll find out really quickly who to listen to, and who not to listen to...Hint: high post numbers are not the way to distinguish who knows what they are talking about. Welcome aboard!!
http://www.simplifiedreefkeeping.com/faq/faq.htm