Mixing of Sodium Bicarbonate

[rashr]

OK....I have all the materials for Randy Holmes Two part solution mix. I now have gotten my Magnesium and Calcium up to where I need to start two dosing.....So I went to mix up my sodium bicarbonate last night and I shook, and shook, and shook, and shook, and shook the container until my arms just could not take anymore. I am not sure how much if any mixed in.....does anyone have any ideas or tricks to help get this into a solution. Or possibly does it not go into solution. I find this hard to believe, but my lord after all the shaking I did I am not so sure now.....Thanks in advance.

[chrisANDbarb]

when i make mine i place the water in a pot on the stove and heat it, and then add the baking soda, stir it for a while and it all mixes in

[mm2002]

Yes, heating is the key. I always mix mine in a cup of hot water before introducing into the aquarium, or whatever you're putting it in.

[Aquilibria]

Other alternative is to take the required quantity of sodium bicarbonate and bake it in an oven at 160°C for about 3 hours.

This converts it to sodium carbonate which is a lot more soluble than sodium bicarbonate.

Aqui