sorry for the late reply justin, anyway stan had answered all ur question already.

1. i found using more sugar will make ur yeast last longer. at least 1 big cup! and dun use too much yeast. one small teaspoon is enough.

2. justin, i think u got the wrong idea. bubble counter is not for dissolving co2 into water. bubble counter like its name suggest is to count the amount of co2 produce by ur yeast or co2 cyclinder.

3. i'll try to mix the yeast with baking soda later on. i'll tell u the results. currently im not using any baking soda.