I find it funny. When I was newly into things I didn't have the time money or patience to try "the ultimate setup" . Now that I do I hear it has gone out of style. I've learned a bit, and think the logic behind another idea is sound, only to be shut out by someone who has tried it and found it not to work.
I would say, barring any sensitive plants, having undergravel filter plates, with ports at either side of the tank, plumb a tee into a canister filter's OUTLET to either side.(should be rated at 50% of needed filtration with 2 in line heaters in each side, both rated at 33% of need) then use 2 HOB filters rated at 25% of need each on either side of the tank. The INLET of the can would be center bottom, with 2 submersible heaters rated at 30% of need each to either side. Then, assuming current happy fish, a pair of powerheads on one side with sponge filters creating a river effect, or for non currrent happy fish, put them both at one side facing forward. I would use a variety of media. Every water change, only 1 media would be swished in the removed water. You see, there are so many options. I would LOVE a setup like I described if I had the right tank with the right fish. The wrong fish/plants/etc. it would be a disaster.