A conductive electrolyte comprises an indicator dye for facilitating detection of electrolyte leakage in a high voltage electrolytic capacitor as well as for facilitating the determination as to when an electrolyte has reached a desired pH range. In a method for detecting electrolyte leakage, a capacitor comprising a flat stack of anodes enclosed in a housing with a lid and an electrolyte comprising an indicator dye is inspected for the presence of electrolyte leaking out of the capacitor. The indicator dye facilitates viewing leaking electrolyte. The indicator dye can be a coloring agent that changes the color of the electrolyte or can be a fluorescent that fluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet light. The indicator dye is also utilized as a pH indicator during the manufacture of electrolytic capacitors, wherein a base is introduced into an electrolyte having an indicator dye that changes pH when the electrolyte turns basic. The base is introduced into the electrolyte until the indicator dye causes the electrolyte to change color indicating the desired pH has been reached.