Hi, I use their nutes and add just a touch of my own. You really don't need to add any extra they'll do just fine without it. I only use a few drops of Fox Farm Grow Big or I'll add Beastie Bud or Cha Ching maybe an 1/8 of a teaspoon and I only add them every other feeding. I got their "Master Gardener" kit because I didn't have any of the pods. I then get their "Garden Starter Tray Refill Pack" sponges that I cut down (their a little longer then the regular sponges but a lot cheaper). That's about it. Oh what's your tap water like? Do you have softened water? If you do you'll need to use bottled water in the aero.