I like the video above, it really spells out the reality of aquarium filtration.
Because the OP is tossing a cartridge, this may be the cause of the spike in ammonia. Each time you toss a cartridge, you are are tossing out a large population of good bacteria.
As in the video, i consider sponges a much better, less wasteful, and more economical option.
I always squeeze out sponges in old water with every water change to avoid backup, and get rid of grunge that causes nitrate buildup.
My optimum MCL for nitrate is no more than 5ppm, and believe this is only normally achieved with lots of water changes, for me that means 3 or 4 water changes of 30-40% each, per week. To some people this may seem a bit anal, but my goal has always been breeding fish, and have the high quality water they live in, be as close to nature as possible. In most natural bodied of water (unless polluted) nitrate is < 1ppm. As part of my job, I tested Lake Michigan water daily, and most of the year nitrate was below 1, and even during lake turnover, never rose much above 1ppm.
Because the OP is tossing a cartridge, this may be the cause of the spike in ammonia. Each time you toss a cartridge, you are are tossing out a large population of good bacteria.
As in the video, i consider sponges a much better, less wasteful, and more economical option.
I always squeeze out sponges in old water with every water change to avoid backup, and get rid of grunge that causes nitrate buildup.
My optimum MCL for nitrate is no more than 5ppm, and believe this is only normally achieved with lots of water changes, for me that means 3 or 4 water changes of 30-40% each, per week. To some people this may seem a bit anal, but my goal has always been breeding fish, and have the high quality water they live in, be as close to nature as possible. In most natural bodied of water (unless polluted) nitrate is < 1ppm. As part of my job, I tested Lake Michigan water daily, and most of the year nitrate was below 1, and even during lake turnover, never rose much above 1ppm.
