Yes, in a nutshell, that's true, but the finer details are what make the difference--namely:
1. Premium filtration media like Biohome or Bacteria House, in large quantities, which gives the greatest surface area of any available media, as well as promoting the removal of nitrate due to dead zones within the structure of the media.
2. The specific use of a Bakki Shower, which is distinctly different from a true trickle filter in many ways -- height, openness of the system and shower instead of trickle.
3. The use of a deep anaerobic sand bed in the sump.
4. The specific use of the common reed instead of aquatic plants.
5. The use of a freshwater protein skimmer and ozonator.
I've seen these ideas independently, but never incorporated specifically into one single filter set-up. I'm sure someone's done it -- I've just never seen it.