Mixing of Sodium Bicarbonate

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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