I generally let particles settle overnight (which is what I did with the beakers in the photo) which is why this process is taking several days. I just wanted to snap an early photo and share. :d The liquid above the FB became much clearer after sitting overnight, as usual. Nowhere near as clear as your photo but I am still getting the hang of this process, trying to find what works best for me. I appreciate all the feedback and advice!
However, it seems like I am losing product somewhere though because I am currently drying out the FB and it looks like it couldn't be more than 10 grams. Albeit quite pure, I'd imagine. Is it possible that sodium carbonate should not be used as the original base, but perhaps use it later in the process? I mean, it works, clearly but I wonder if it is as efficient as using lye first and then switching to sodium carbonate later in the process...just a thought. I believe lye is a more effective base, for sure, but I like to keep things food safe whenever possible. But I make exceptions sometimes...:d
Also, I saved the liquid from the original 5 boils and based it again. More harmalas precipitated! That seems to prove that I either:
1. Did not add enough base to begin with or
2. Sodium Carbonate will not effectively precipitate all the harmalas on the first go.
It should be noted that these are just ideas and by no means fact. When I get my pH meter it will make experimenting much more accurate and it will allow me to see where I might be losing alkaloids.
Edit: I also only do two Manskes.
