Matten Filtration in Shrimp tanks (Germany)

http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of filtration method. Looks like there could be some improvement made on the intake side to spread out the flow of water to the sponge.

Have noticed this trend with shrimp tanks in Germany. Looks more like a vertical sponge system rather than your typical breeder sponge filtration that sits on the base of the tank. Sponge generally provides a high surface area for beneficial bacteria.

Does that sponge media have to be cleaned? Huumm.....