I've used one before, but not on a plant tank. It'll certainly get rid of your surface gunk, but you'll need to tune it carefull depending on the drawing strength of your can filter. The most power I ever put behind one was an HOB.
And be darn careful cleaning that clear strainer/intake. One drop to a hard floor and it's at least two teeth gone, and a quick trip to the LFS for aquarium sealant.