Yeah i put fine mesh gutter guard around mine...hard to explain and i have no camera.

I am having an OM 4 way on a dart in my 36x36x24 tank and its working perfectly and no dead spot.

I would suggest you like others some tunze nanostream that will work really good for your tank size! No plumbing, more space and a very good flow!

for my return pump. im going to be using a mag 5. should i go bigger? mag 7?
my stand will be 36" tall.