I run UGFs on all my tanks, most with 1-1/2" - 2" matten (30ppi) bottoms, and they are the cleanest, low maintenance systems I'veever had. Airstone ( Ziss from ACO) or powerhead depends on the species in the tank. The plants I use have no problem rooting to the foam. Most powerheads are directed up towards the surface to increase aeration and decrease current. A light layer of 3-5mm gravel on some, glass beads on others. Canisters with built in UV lights are attached to the heavily stocked tanks, which most are. No deaths, ammonia spikes, no diseases and stable water for 8 years on 16 tanks, water changes are severely reduced.
I'm a big fan of UGFs. No vacuuming substrate or rinsing filters. The biofiltration surface area is unmatched except by sump systems. I even sculpt landscapes, shrimp hides and uplift tube protection with the foam. Cycling time is reduced immensely by using squeezings from other tanks.
Penn-plax for standard tank sizes, multiple plate systems for odd sized tanks.