Exactly how does this work? Compared to the activated charcoal filters that are made by such companies like aqueon?

Our Premium Dual Density Filter pads are designed to remove particles floating in the water. To remove odor and color from aquarium water you will need to use a good grade of activated carbon. Aqueon cartridges have a thin filter pad on the outside and carbon on the inside. At this time we have not tested our thicker pad with a bag of carbon in an Aqueon filter.