They fall on the same category, biological filtration.
This is the part where the OP and I seems to connect,
The noise part is where I said I like k1, I just like it because it's self cleaning and because it's really noisy, well again IMO I don't mind it, and the establishment of the said self sufficient tank is here,
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?552388-(almost)-Self-sustaining-aquariums
The OP talked things about the thread, well it means he and I do understand where those previous comments came from.
If I ever offend you in some way, I say sorry, I prefer not to be a "dick".
And lastly all filtration has pros and cons, even plants, they may go haywire example duckweed, oh those dreaded duckweed.
well that's it.
Here's a pic to compensate the derailment of the thread.
View attachment 944020