Yes! It must be soda, not washing powder. I used Arm & Hammer myself.
As far as the electrode or donor metal, I made a frame to fit inside with about 1 inch of clearance on the sides and bottom. I used 1/2 rebar and square tubing putting it about 10 inches apart. The seat thing seems to work good also but I wanted something on both sides and on the bottom.
No questions are childish foolish. Better to ask than to mess up and then ask.
Martin
