How to keep sand out of filters?

[CarpCharacin]

I have Black Diamond blasting sand in my 75 gallon tank, and it keeps getting in the filters and stopping the pumps. It's already destroyed one AquaClear 110, and it keeps getting in my Aqueon 55/75, even though I've put foam over the intake. What do you suggest I use? I have a new AquaClear 110 coming in the mail today, and I don't want sand getting in it.

 

[CarpCharacin]

I zip tied some nylon from a stocking over the filter intakes, hopefully that keeps the sand out.

 

[CarpCharacin]

Ugh, after a few minutes, the flow of the filter slowed to a trickle, but if I unplug it and plug it back in, it starts working again. I'm not sure what the problem is.

 

[CarpCharacin]

I got some finer foam that fits over the filter intake, and it works ok, but I have to clean it out about once a week to keep it from getting clogged.