If you were to replace those cartridges with some sponge cut to fit the space, and used loose filter floss on top, I think you'd solve the problem. The material that encloses those cartridges is the same as filter floss, only bonded together with heat, which makes it more likely to clog, and it's very thin, so it can only grab so much before it clogs.
Sponge lasts darn near forever, just squeeze it out in tank water, floss lasts months before it falls to raggedy bits that need replacing. I sometimes wrap floss in some plastic net, which I get from taking apart a new, cheap bath scrubbie.. the soft ones that make a lot of lather, they're made of lengths of soft plastic net.
Try it, I think you'll be much happier with the results using separate media than those cartridges. Don't need carbon, but it can always be added in a mesh bag if needed, and ceramic media can also be added in a mesh bag if there is room for it, as more bio media. But sponge alone is excellent bio media.