thanks for embedding the video Steve! Yes the guard was separate. this is the exact one i got: http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Detachabl ... ater+guard it comes in six different sections so you can add or remove sections to fit your heater. the suction cups are a little difficult to insert into the guard when the heaters in, but for 5 bucks it does a good job! you should totally create a turtle talk youtube page!