What fear mongering am I falling for? I found a three part system that works for my specific system better than what AFR was doing for me. With my PsyD and MBA am I just too illiterate to understand? Are you saying that Mr. Paletta is conspiring with FM to fool us all? Insulting people helps no one. In fact, while unlikely, can be considered libelous.
Having been involved with product claims and liability most of my career in one way or another, I am aware that MOST manufacture claims are suspect with no negative ramifications largely because the FTC was rendered ineffectual in the 80's. I don't have the knowledge to know the specific impact of everything we put in our tanks and as a result have probably wasted a lot of money on ineffectual products in the hopes that they might improve coral growth and overall health in my system. I am reminded of that every time I look in my garage and see all of the stuff I no longer use that at the time was the new miracle product that would fix everything. I would love to have a "reef consumer reports" to rely on but so far no one has stepped up to the plate to pay for it.
The Bolus system works for me and is an inexpensive alternative. I got a PH boost, improved growth and coloration compared to AFR. Don't care if it doesn't make scientific sense because I can see the results. As far as something "magical" happening, no, I don't buy it for a second just like I don't buy that I can sit a look at my reef all day and lose weight. Am I a "plant" for FM?" No, in fact I don't use their ICP tests or any other other FM products but again, even if it is the no different than other three part systems available, it is working better than anything else has so I will stick with it for now at least. Feel free to continue to insult those of us you think of as gullible all you want.