Storing Baking Soda

[Troy Valentine]

Maybe this is much to do about nothing but here goes,

When we buy baking soda it normally comes in a cardboard box which is not air tight. We put open boxes of baking soda in the pantry/refrig or anywhere else to freshen the air. Does the baking soda become contaminated over time from this? And are we leaching this air freshener into our aquarium? 3 weeks ago I finished off an old box of baking soda I had next to the aquarium, and within a week I noticed a small algae bloom. I personally think it caused the bloom.......

Opinions please....

[SABOB]

Once I open a new box,I put it in a Ziplock bag.Not sure if this helps,but makes me feel better.

[Bill S]

I take a box of baking soda, and bake it at 350 for an hour. That drives off the CO2, making it anhydrous baking soda. pH is higher that way. I put it in a 3 liter bottle, fill it with RO/DI, and shake it (it gets hot). Cap it off, and keep it for use.