Activated carbon in a dry environment can last indefinitely. But if wet the the large surface area that carbon has promotes algae and mold growth. Once this happens the treatment is almost expensive as the cure (chlorination with hypo which tends to burn the carbon). If taking a column off...
try lowering the pH of the water. emulsions are typically related to saponification by lowering the pH you neutralize the alkalinity and reduce the surface tension.
If the ties are made of nylon, thats your problem. Nylon is attacked readily by chlorine and chlorined dioxide. Try a polypropylene or as drmelk suggested a PVC material.
