Well, I just went through this explanation with a friend who has a fresh water tank. I showed him my reef and he was wooed by it. Once I explained to him the routine I have he was shocked. I told him I do more testing here than I did when I was in Chemistry class back in college. however, I told him this was more fun and the end result is amazing.
Just imagine you taking care of a dog. How much work that is... take them out for a walk, feed them, babysitting, etc.
It is all relevant. In this case you just have to upkeep water.
For a reef is actually easy, but once you have fish in there, you have to be more diligent as they produce lots of waste that affect the corals in negative ways.
And with reef tanks, the bigger the better
However you have to spend a lot of money up front to get thigns going and later on it just levels off, once you get a good routine going. You cna even make your own food for really cheap.
Good luck anyways with your FOWLR tank.