Not uncommon at all...look at any HOB with the outlet plenum(s) pouring water down, straight at the suction tube...and most canisters have a holder that accepts the inlet and outlet tubes. It is the discharge nozzles or spray bars that direct the flow across the tank and away from the suction that creates the current.
:iagree: I have an eheim ecco in one of my tanks with them next to each other and I like the set up as it creates a nice flow within the tank for the fish.