This algae is suspended...If I recall correctly, the black pads are too coarse to strain it out. Instead of the sponge/Zeo-carb setup, I would use 1 black sponge topped with either filter floss or polyester batting from a local craft store. A few rounds of that should fix your problem. I wouldn't really call your situation mini-cycling, I think it's possible you're re-releasing crud back into your tank when you cleaned out your filter. The amount of oxygenation in your water also seems to imply that your ammonia would be fairly low.
Quite frankly, I think the Tidy Turtle stuff is a waste of money--it's basically concentrated enzymes for bacteria that your water is already full of (cue the nitrates/algae).
