HOB Filter Flow disperse with sponge questions

Hello all - I have 2 HOB (left AC110 and right AC70) that I recently just added a piece of filter sponge in between my top glass and where the water outputs from the top (attached picture). Before both HOB had strong output flows into the tank and in prep for getting a Honey Gourami I wanted to have it a bit slower/dispersed going into the tank.

I have a sponge filter on the left and right side as well providing bubbles to the surface.

My question is I have never had a "low flow" tank like this - I'm use to having the strong current inside the tank. Is there any downsides or things to look for decreasing the output flow of water coming from the HOB?
I know my future honey will love it but not sure if there's anything else - for example I thought the strong current output from the HOB will help cycle debris in the tank and push it towards the intake. Will that be affected to not work as well or does that not matter? Any other tips or thoughts?

The sponge only spreads the water out after it has already been through the filter, so the AC110 and AC70 still turn over the same volume and the intakes pull just as hard. What changes is the current across the tank, so expect a bit more mulm settling in corners away from the intakes.

Rinse that sponge when you do the filters. Once it clogs it starts damming the outflow.

I use something similar to lessen the flow with my two AC 110s in each of my 75g and 55g tanks. Your foam might be a big too fine and won’t disperse the water as well. Try and get some of that coarse filter media for ponds. It baffles the flow and never gets clogged.

I also use a large pre-filter sponge for the intake tube.

A more detailed explanation can be found at this link.