Pre filter problem

In my overflow box I have a cylinder shaped tube that serves as my drainage tube and prefilter. LFS sold me a mesh wrap as a filter that goes around the tube. Seems to worked fine until I had to initially remove it for cleaning. This is a very tight space with return tube also in the overflow. Spent an hour trying to get everything back in it normal position. I failed. Mesh is coming loose. Can I discard the prefilter? Tube drains into sump. Can I use something in the sump to act as a filter? Please help :'(

 

Yes, I would discard the prefilter. Although I don't like the practice, you can always put a foam prefilter on the intake of your return pump in the sump.

 

Thanks, had not thought of that option.