Hi Marilyn,
I haven't used my darkroom in a couple of years, but I used powders
most typically. A part of my training is in chemistry, and I prefer
solids as they'll last longer in storage, 'til I'm ready to use them,
than liquids (oxidation and other reaction issues while in solution).
The way that I got around the mixing issue (because of my chemistry
training) was to go onto ebay and purchase some decent glassware and,
here's the critical point, a magnetic mixer. With the magnetic mixer,
you create your solution (I usually do so at nearly the desired
concentration, then top off with water when the solution is completely
mixed), put the teflon-coated magnet into the beaker/flask, and then
turn on the mag mixer for however long is needed. I don't have to
stand there, stir & stir, and still have some undissolved solids. I'm
free to do other work and am confident that my solution will be
properly mixed, whether it needs to stir for five minutes or
overnight...
Anyway, works for me,
Tim!
