Can dirty filter cartridges cause ammonia to rise?

[r.reefer]

Hi! I have a RedSea ammonia test kit, and it seems to be a little on the green side, probably measuring around 0.2ppm. Nothing has died, and I don't overfeed. . . could my filter cartridges need a quick rinse? The tank has been up for 2 years. None of my fish really seem to be affected; my coral also look fine, with the exception of my torch coral who has looked a little angry recently.

 

[KrisReef]

How old is the test kit?

 

[r.reefer]

How old is the test kit?

I just got it about a month ago! But now it might not be an issue, because when I went to plug the filter back in, it stopped working. . . now the question might be, if I have to replace the filter, how do I do this safely?