You are absolutely not "dumb.." Great questions.
Triton tests will provide you with a report on the trace element concentration in your water. You would potentially adjust these levels based on testing results. The backbone of Triton's system is a four part dosing solution called "Base Elementz", whocih contains a balanced calcium/alkalinity/trace element component. You'd add this via dower daily in quantities predetermined for your system. Any trace elements that you'd dose above and beyond that would be dictated solely on test results, to bring your system parameters into the desired range. It's not an onerous, endless system of adding this and that on a continuous basis. It can certainly work on smaller aquariums.
In summary, it's about only adding exactly what is needed, only in amounts determined by the needs of your animals. Obviously there is a bit more to it than just that, as we've discussed before (and we will cover in more detail in future pieces), but it's a great way to ru na healthy reef...Not the only way- just a good way!
Thanks,
Scott
FWIW I ran the calculations based on their starting point recommendation (10ml of elementz per 100L per day) vs only the salt costs for 15% water changes per month (which is on the low end of recommendations) and a mid priced salt mix and the cost was pretty much identical for my planned tank size of 265gallons. There's a lot of other costs involved with doing water changes that I ignored (RO/DI costs, water costs, heating replacement water, alternative test kits, etc.). It seems cost competitive to me (and also much simpler).