Vitalink Hydro MAX Grow A&B – Hard Water 2-Part Hydroponic Nutrient Base
Best for: Growers on hard water running hydroponic systems who want pH stability and straightforward feeding without constant tinkering
Our thoughts
This is the kind of nutrient that quietly does its job. Built for hard water specifically, it handles pH drift better than most — growers tell us it hangs around the sweet spot for days without faffing about. The EDDHA iron and fulvic acid aren't gimmicks; they genuinely help plants make use of what's in the tank. A solid entry-level hydro base that covers the basics properly and won't rinse your budget.
Vitalink Hydro MAX Grow A&B is a two-part mineral base nutrient formulated specifically for hard water growing in hydroponic systems. Designed for the vegetative stage, it delivers a complete NPK profile with enhanced iron availability and nutrient uptake support — the kind of balanced feeding that builds strong plant structure without drama.
The key difference from standard formulas: this version includes EDDHA-chelated iron (preventing iron lockout across a wider pH range) and fulvic acid (a natural catalyst that helps plants absorb everything you're feeding them). For hard water areas where alkalinity can creep up and lock out key nutrients, that's a genuine advantage.
How it compares
Vitalink sits in the proven, budget-conscious 2-part category — simpler than Flora Series, cheaper per litre, and built specifically for hard water chemistry.
- 2-part simplicity (mix A and B) vs 3-part systems — easier to manage, less room for imbalance
- Hard water formulation means it neutralises alkalinity without constant pH correction
- EDDHA iron and fulvic acid are premium features at a mid-tier price point
- Highly concentrated formula — economical to run across multiple systems or larger spaces
- UK-made with a solid reputation in the UK hydroponics community
Usage guidance
Mixing your nutrient solution
Always add Part A to your water first, stir thoroughly until dissolved, then add Part B. Never mix the concentrates together — they'll lock up and you'll waste money. Equal parts A and B keeps the balance right.
Seedlings and young plants
Start at 1–2 ml/L of each part. Once your seedlings are established and actively growing, increase gradually to mature strength.
Mature plants — vegetative stage
Use at 3–4 ml/L of each part. This is your working dose through the grow phase and into the first week of flowering.
Hard water specific — pH management
Check your local water quality. Hard water areas (over 200 ppm or calcium above 70 ppm) benefit from this formulation because the nutrient salts are selected to be more acidic, neutralising bicarbonates naturally. Recommended pH range is 5.8–6.5. You'll notice less pH drift than with standard formulas — it tends to hang around your target for days rather than climbing daily.
System compatibility
Works in all inert media: clay pebbles, perlite, rockwool, mapito. Suitable for deep water culture, NFT, aeroponics, flood and drain, and run-to-waste systems.
Technical specifications
- Type: Two-part hydroponic base nutrient (Part A and Part B)
- Formulation: Hard water (HW) — optimised for alkaline tap water
- Stage: Vegetative growth and early flowering (first week)
- Iron chelation: EDDHA — available across wide pH range
- Added: Fulvic acid for enhanced nutrient uptake and efficiency
- Dosage (mature plants): 3–4 ml/L each of Part A and Part B
- Dosage (seedlings): 1–2 ml/L each of Part A and Part B
- Recommended pH: 5.8–6.5
- Available sizes: 1L, 5L, 10L bottles
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formula — economical coverage
Who this is for
- Hydroponic growers in hard water areas (UK Midlands, South East, parts of Scotland)
- First-time hydro growers wanting a straightforward 2-part system without guessing
- Budget growers who want proven results without premium pricing
- Anyone running multiple systems where nutrient costs matter (the concentration goes further)
- Growers tired of constant pH adjustment — this formulation is naturally more stable
- Deep water culture, NFT, flood and drain, and aeroponics users looking for a reliable veg base
Our take
Vitalink Hydro MAX Grow A&B is one we recommend a lot for growers new to hard water hydroponics. It does exactly what it should — feeds plants cleanly, holds pH better than standard formulas, and doesn't overcomplicate things. The EDDHA iron and fulvic acid pull their weight, but you're not paying a premium for them.
If you're on hard water, running hydro, and want feeding that works without constant faffing, worth picking up while stock lasts. Good time to buy and get properly set up before the season kicks in.
