Essentials is the sensible starting point - meters, pH solutions and the handful of supplements every grow needs, at prices that let you spend the money on lighting instead. Nothing here is exotic, and that is the point: these are the bottles and tools you will use on every single cycle.
- Meters: Essentials pH and EC meters, batteries included - see all pH and EC meters.
- pH adjusters: LAB 30% pH Down and LAB pH Up - browse pH Down and pH Up.
- Calibration: LAB pH Buffer 4 and Buffer 7 for keeping meters honest - see calibration solutions.
- Core supplements: Essentials Plus CalMag for coco and RO water, Plus Silicon for structure and Plus Fulvic (made by VitaLink) for uptake. More Cal-Mag and silicon.
- Flowering: Essentials Plus PK 13/14 for the mid-to-late flower boost - see PK boosters.
- Stress: Essentials PLUS NO Stress for plants recovering from heat, transplant or handling.
- Inspection: The Phonescope, a clip-on phone microscope for checking trichomes and spotting pests early - see pest and disease control.
Why choose Essentials?
A pH pen and buffer solutions are the two purchases that most improve a first grow, and there is no reason to pay premium prices for either. The Phonescope is the sleeper item - catching spider mite a week early is worth more than any bottle in the range.
Essentials FAQs
Is a budget pH meter accurate enough?
Yes, provided you calibrate it with the buffer solutions and store the probe properly. Calibration matters far more than the price of the pen.
30% pH Down - is that strong?
It is concentrated, so it goes further, but add it a few drops at a time and stir. It is easy to overshoot.
Why buy Essentials from The Hydro Bros?
We stock the Essentials range in full, ship discreetly across the UK and Europe, and know these products because we use them. With excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot and staff who actually grow, you get the right kit first time.
