In a test I found that metaborate alkali does not work.Glucose and and sodium metaborate solution heated at boiling, diluted and cooled had pH 8.5-9,but film developed 45m 20C was blank.
Glucose and sodium carbonate heated at boiling, diluted, with the pH later lowered to ~8.5 using baking soda gave a normal looking image on development 45m 20C.
Metaborate failure may be due to the lower pH or complex formation.
Glucose and sodium carbonate without baking soda gives dense fog.
The conclusion is that sodium carbonate followed by baking soda addition gives the best alkali.
Phenidone addition should cut down the development time.