Base Nutrients

Choosing a Base Nutrient

Every plant in a hydroponic system gets fed entirely through the reservoir, there's no soil to fall back on if your nutrient program is off. That makes hydroponic nutrients the single most important decision you'll make, and it's also where most of the confusion sits once you start comparing brands. We stock Terra Aquatica, Byron Bay Gold, Dutchfest, THC Nutrients and Growth Technology, covering both 2-part and 3-part hydroponic nutrient and fertiliser systems across hydro, coco and soil.

If you're after something simple, a 2-part system gives you a fixed ratio that works across most growth stages without much thinking. If you want more control over your feeding as plants move from vegetative growth into flowering, a 3-part system lets you adjust nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium independently as your plants' needs shift.

Growing in coco coir specifically? Coco binds calcium more aggressively than other media, so a nutrient line with built-in Cal-Mag, like Dutchfest Coco, removes the guesswork rather than leaving you to add a separate supplement every feed.

Not sure what EC to actually run, or worried about overfeeding? Our feeding guide and EC targets article covers stage-by-stage EC ranges and the variables that actually determine how much your plants can use, well beyond what's printed on the bottle. Seeing deficiency or lockout symptoms right now? Our Troubleshooting Index covers common nutrient problems in a fast, dot-point format.

Already have a shed full of garden fertiliser? Not all of it is suited to a hydroponic reservoir, see our Bunnings fertilisers in hydroponics guide for an honest breakdown of what actually works and what to avoid.

Looking to push beyond the base feed once your fundamentals are dialled in? Our Additives and Boosters collection covers Cal-Mag, silica, PK boosters and root stimulants that work alongside any of the hydroponic nutrients on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a 2-part and 3-part nutrient system?
A 2-part system mixes at a fixed ratio for simplicity. A 3-part system splits Grow, Micro and Bloom separately so you can shift the ratio as your plants move through different growth stages.

Can I use the same base nutrient for the whole grow cycle?
Mostly, yes, most hydroponic nutrients are designed to cover seedling through to harvest. You'll generally increase the dose as plants mature rather than switching products entirely.

Do I need a different nutrient for coco coir?
Not strictly, but it helps. Coco competes with your plant for calcium, so a coco-specific formula with extra Cal-Mag built in saves you adding a separate supplement every feed.

How do I know if I'm overfeeding?
Yellowing or browning leaf tips, curling leaves, or a white crust on the surface of your growing medium usually means EC is too high. Check your EC against the feeding chart before increasing dose, our feeding guide covers exactly what to look for stage by stage.

Are additives the same as hydroponic nutrients?
No. Hydroponic nutrients (your base feed) supply the core macro and micronutrients a plant needs to grow. Additives and boosters are optional extras layered on top once your base feeding is dialled in, see our Additives and Boosters collection for the full range.

Can I use a regular garden fertiliser instead of a hydroponic nutrient?
Generally not safely, most garden fertilisers aren't formulated for a hydroponic reservoir and can clog drippers, throw off pH, or lack the chelated micronutrients plants need without soil. Our Bunnings fertilisers guide covers exactly which common products are safe to use and which aren't.