mine is creeping up on ayear. i have taken my carbon out and run it for a week at a time for getting rid of the yellow color in the water once in a while.

i replaced my bio media with lr rubble and cut the black sponge in half (white filter gone long ago) and run the carbon atop that.

Edit: i use procarb lab quality activated cabon when i do use it. i just use a aquaclear 70 bag for it.

Do you have any pics yet?