I know it isnt perfect, but today when I was cleaning the sump this is what I did. If you have any ideas feel free to post them. I plan to remove the balls completely, but knew it isnt good to remove them all at the same time.
the foam is there to replace the thicker one and serves as the guard for the intake to the PH as well as to stop the bubbles from getting to the return pump. I have another PH in the sump on the opposite corner but is a little smaller