I used AN for three years, switched to H&G, and Im switching back. AN may, stress MAY, be one of the better nuts on the market but I really take issue with them. First, they jacked their prices up 15% twice in one year. Second, they were less than responsive in an email I sent with a problem I was having with spoiling product. IE...dont really stand behind products. And last, I was a member of their board before I came here and they shut it down. Weak.

My overall impression is that AN is 5-10% better at a 25% increase in price. Its a matter of how perfect you're trying to be. The things I like about AN is that they are a more complex/complete system. They have not only the A & B parts and bloom enhancers, but a B complex, humic, fulvic...so on. its more complete, but more money and more time/work. Im not lazy or broke so I think Im gonna go back only because the H&G seemed to chem. burn my plants just slightly and had a chem. taste. But this time Im replacing parts with other brands. Some things like b-52 cant be replaced and needs to be an AN product.

Honestly, If you are doing your first grow I would use something cheaper and more basic just to get the feel. But you get out what you put in. If your just getting set up and have a budget I would spend my money on lights and environment. But thats just me! good luck