Filling Space In Predrilled Overflow Compartment With Media?

[Jenste]

My 72 gallon bow was purchased for a steal years back already pre drilled with an overflow chamber. (Was a floor model being sold at a store going out of business). 
I long ago since sealed the bottom of the overflow as a sump wasn't in my plans and I keep one of my intake tubes inside the overflow compartment (Why waste the space for water volume?).  But besides sometimes housing a random heater to prevent fish from bumping into it, the overflow compartment has stayed empty except for water and an intake tube or two.  
 
Now I am sitting here wondering if anyone with a similar set up has ever used the overflow compartment to house more media. Maybe like a plastic bin or pantyhose filled with bioballs above where the intake sits. 
 
Just wondering if it seems like a good use of the space or no?   The dimensions of the overflow compartment are 10.5" x 5" by 21.5".  Measurements come out to about 4.9 gallons.  
 

 

[RobRocksFishTank]

I can't think of a reason not to.

 

[Jenste]

Thank you - I can't either but I figured I'd throw the idea out there incase I am overlooking anything or if anyone has a better idea 

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I am confused here. How do you circulate the water through the overflow and back into the tank? Normally the water comes in and goes out to the sump and is then returned to the tank. The media is in the sump. Flow through is essential to filtration. What is circulating the water though the compartment in a consistent direction?

 

[Jenste]

The overflow has multiple slots in the sides (in the top, middle, and bottom of the over flow compartment) and more across at the top designed to suck in water from the tank so I house my intake tube with in this area and the output for my filter is in the main portion of the tank. 
I am at work so I can't get a picture of my actual tank, but here is the same size/model with an overflow in it so you can see what I am talking about....mind you I do not have a sump so the bottom where the tubing for a sump would normally go has been sealed off since I brought the tank home in 2009

 

[TwoTankAmin]

OK, now I understand. If you want to put media in there, I would use things that will not required frequent cleaning. No floss, no fine pored sponges, no carbon. You can put these things into your actual filter. I personally would be inclined to use some 20 ppi Poret foam (or something comparable). If your intake is in the middle of the compartment you could put a big (3 inch thick) piece of Poret above and below it. The foam can be cut to size so it will fit snugly. You should only need to clean the foam once every year or two.

 

[Jenste]

That's what I was thinking. I have a decent amount of foam and bioballs around now. I'll play this weekend and see what I can come up with  

 

[Jenste]

To be honest I feel a little silly for having the tank for 6 years and only NOW thinking of utilizing that space to hold extra media.