I run
Advanced Nutrients. It can get expensive, but you don't have to run the whole freaking product line. Also, a one liter bottle will go a long ways. Many of the products they sell are simply additives. I break this down into what i must have, and what i like to use for additives. If price is an issue, skip the additives and choose other products or don't get them at all.
Must Have (for me that is)
Connoisseur Grow A&B 1L $30
Connoisseur Bloom A&B 1L $34
Piranha 250ML $19
Rhino Skin 1L $24
Additives i personally run, not always a necessity especially for newer growers. You can pick and choose or go with other products.
Big Bud 1L $28 or get the 250ML $15
Bud Candy 1L $22 or get the 250ML $13
Flawless Finish 1L $20 or get 250ML for $10
You can even purchase a pack of Flawless Finish,
Bud Candy and piranha 250ML pack for $40.00
One way the price CAN add up very quickly is not TRULY understanding how much nutrients you will need. For example...I had no clue how much to use so i wanted to be safe and ordered a shit load. Mind you, i'm only running 6 girls. I ordered 1L grow and bloom but everything else i purchased 4L bottles. Yeah....my total was around $460 but i'm an idiot and didn't do the research. Some of this stuff you only run for 2 weeks or so, you don't need huge bottles. My stuff will LONG expire before i use it. Be smart. It doesn't have to be as expensive as people make it out to be.
To each their own =]