5 Easy steps to a healthy reef!

I havent seen the online version, but the printed catalog absolutely
indicates 19 fish. "Step 5: Add fish. Our example includes:" and then
lists 12 fish. Later in that step, it says wait 2 weeks then add the
following additional fish, and lists 7 more (including the yellow Tang).
In both additions of fish, some species have multiple specimens, ie 3
clownfish, and 6 green chromis. So clearly they are indicating a head
count, not a list to select from.

***ok, i just went to the online version, you're correct, they recommend
selecting from a list, but in the catalog, NOT, they recommend 19 fish!
****

This is in addition to a boat load of corals.

As for its validity, yes it is a general outline of the process, but 19
fish is ridiculous, and they should not be added in huge amounts at once,
and they should be quarantined.

The lighting they recommend _may_ be adequate for the corals they've
selected. MUCH more would be more appropriate, and necessary for any
other species. I have a 46 gallon bowfront fish only, and I've looked
into upgrading the lighting to reef it, and my estimate is no less than
$450 for anything substantial. (I do have a nano reef, so I have some
reef experience. but even my FOWLR is more hassle than this article lets
on)

Also, no mention of powerheads or why you need circulation. Maybe thats
included in the bowfront with built in filtration, but the point is, one
needs to know why these things are necessary, not just follow a recipe.

Then there are your criticisms, which are also a valid.

But of course, the real problem here is the suggestion, nay, assertion
that this requires no advanced knowledge or experience. The aquarist
necessarily needs to know about the nitrogen cycle, parasitic and
bacterial infections, nutrient export, which additives, how much
additives, when, why, why not.

The article basically says, this is how to buy our products and have
something in 12 weeks. It doesnt instruct that its after twelve weeks
that the real game begins, when you get ick, and green hair from hell,
and ammonia spikes, and dead fish, and oh god the red slime. Not a single
mention of testing water parameters, what they mean, and why. The article
does not equip the user with any information on how to handle these
inevitable battles. And there's nothing 'easy' about them.

As we all know, a reef is not about 5 easy steps. This article states
that it is.

Be prepared to spend a LOT of money, devote a LOT of time, fight a LOT of
battles, cry a few times.

Of course this is all just my opinion, and I have no reason to slander
the company's products or services. I guess I have to say that after that
atrocious law suit last year.

Now as for the tang, i agree with your recommendation. But I gotta admit,
I have a juvenile naso tang in my 46 bowfront. *gasp* I know, I know.
she's only about 3 inches now, starting to get her adult markings. I'll
definitely need to rehouse her before too long. But she's been very
healthy, and a delight for a year and a half now.