I've heard of people using stuff like Miracle Grow as a hydroponic nutrient, but I think most people agree that it sucks for that use. I read somewhere about a guy that was using Shultz (or something like that) fertilizer as a nutrient and his plants were growing - they looked healthy but weren't spectacular or anything. I saw that stuff at Lowes so I could alway buy it (something like $2.50 for a small bottle - no idea how long it would last).

I don't particularly care that much whether it's a dedicated hydroponics nutrient or not. This first grow is mainly to prove to myself that I can do it, but if I can find a relatively inexpensive 2 or 3 part nutrient so much the better. Ultimately the cost of the nutrient isn't the major concern. I found a place I can buy AN nutes from at a good price (for AN) and while they aren't cheap, they're not crazy-expensive either.

For me it's a hobby, not a business. I don't expect to make money or even really save much (if any). It's something I do for the sense of accomplishment and pride of growing my own.

Plus, there's the security of knowing exactly what's gone into your plants. Who knows for certain what another grower does before you get the final product from him?


EDIT: Just thought of something - there is one concern with whatever nutrient I end up getting. I need it to be relatively clean. Nothing that's going to screw up my gear (and I know hydro nutes won't) and nothing that's really smelly, since I'm not building a full stealth grow for this and I don't want my house to stink.