any way to test pure alk solution?

[authentic]

I recently mixed BRS alk sodium bicarbonate..i had been dosing 120ml per day and my alk was stable at 8.3-8.5. since filling my dosing container i am dosing 165 ml /day and my alk is hovering around 7
is there a way to check the solution?bad batch? i am mixing soda ash today and thinking i may want to reduce my dose significantly(back to 120)before moving forward

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Did you actually mix sodium bicarbonate? Or sodium carbonate?

My DIY with sodium bicarbonate is half as strong as the sodium carbonate recipe due to solubility concerns.

Yes, you can measure the alkalinity of the solution you make, assuming you can dilute it properly before testing.

 

[authentic]

sodium bicarbonate....is this half as strong as soda ash?would i expect to be dosing twice as much?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The solution recipe is half as strong, requiring twice as much liquid doses. The solid sodium bicarbonate is less potent than solid sodium carbonate , but not by half.

Why did you switch?