I have put the foam guard on for now. However is the guard you suggest one that I can buy or make? If so where? Also I have the MP-10 nearly off because the amount of flow coming from the return is so strong that most of the tank already has decent flow. I say that it has decent flow because I can see the sand on the bottom being pushed around. I used a sand recommended from the employees at LAX and it looks great but if I could go back I would probably use the crushed coral. On my last visit to LAX I asked if they sell, what I believe is called a snake. The employee told me that they do not make one because it will crack the pump. I do not quite understand that but I took his word. Can you shed any light on that?Welcome to r2r! A guard on your power heads will be your best friend if you decide to keep nems...and I have found the foam that vortech supply's is not effecient at keeping nems out.