When I use baking soda to raise alk, I add about an equal amount of kalk to the tank at the same time to keep the pH from dropping. If I want to raise pH in my generally low pH 42g and 72g, I add a little more kalk than baking soda.
I monitor pH while adding these substances with a pH probe and monitor so I don't screw things up
Baking soda is mixed in a glass of tankwater. Kalk is prepped a few days in advance so it has a chance to settle.
Sounds like there are lots of ways to use baking soda.