All bio-media does only one job...it houses the bacteria.
Sumps look high tech when they have multiple types of media and noobs will get on their knees like you are a filter god. If you want the most efficient filter, go with a media that has a high surface area to volume ratio. A single media doesn't look high tech but it is all about efficiency.
Bio-Balls have much more surface area than ceramics. And pot scrubbers blow away Bio-Balls. They look kinda trailor park though.
those silver or bronze pads? you can use those? hummmmmm but you know when u scub a pot that shinny stuff comes off thats not gonna be bad for the tank?