Filters and plant matter

[Mikezilla89]

I have a 20 gallon tank that's heavily planted, along with a good amount of fish. Im running a marineland penguin 150 for the filter. The system is very well established, but the problem im having is there's way too much plant matter collecting on the pads ( I have 2 in the filter), and im also Feeding my fish zucchini which makes for many a floating seed. After a few days of putting the new one in, my filter pretty much stops working to the point of the overflow gushing water. Any suggestions on what to do to keep the filter from backing up so quickly? Is it time to invest in a canister filter?
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Coursair]

You can go canister or put a sponge prefilter on your intake tube. Just pull it off and rinse. My Shrimp love mine.