So sorry for your loss.
See the pic below. I've posted this picture countless times since I first took it about 10 years ago. It's been a continual attempt to show hobbyists how Needlepoint Plastic Canvas can be sewn together with fishing line to make an intake strainer cage to protect algae and anemones from being sucked in. The distance of the cage from the intake effectively diffuses the suction which would pull stuff in. Plastic Canvas is just a dollar at any craft store. It's 100 times better than a sponge guard since cleaning is not needed for months.
I believe a thread about this is also in the list of Reefkeeping Tips linked in my signature line below.
Please read the Reefkeeping Tips to help yourself avoid all sorts of other sad situations.
Aloha,
Mark
P.S. Congratulations on becoming a paid member.
Edited by Mark Peterson - February 17 2017 at 6:36pm