I have always used UGF filters with powerheads in combination with the HOBs. The idea being that extra filtration, aeration, and circulation is a good thing. If I remember correctly, in one of his videos Cory mentioned that the UGF also gives the root and water column feeders the best of both worlds.
When I put my 29 gallon back in service, I found the powerhead was too much for the small fish, so I switched to air driven. The first question is how much air is required to be effective? The second would be: do tiny air stone bubbles draw more water than bubbles from an open air line? I have no doubts about the UGF/powerhead combination., but I often wonder about how much water is actually being drawn through the gravel by rising air bubbles.