Megan, you can do away with the cage if the pump is protected by the filter material.
You can purchase "Quick Fit" connectors made for Laguna pumps. (Hagen Pond Supplies, see link below).
You may have to adapt them to your type of pump if it is not a Laguna product. But that is not difficult usually.
"Horton"

Here is a link that might be useful: Rolf C Hagen.Laguna Ponds (North America)

Thanks Horton...OK, I was looking at those last night. I don't have a Laguna, so I need both sides of the fitting. But I can't see how to make that work--I see 1 1/4 male to 1 1/2 click (the fitting without the grey bit) & 1 1/2 male to 1 1/4 click fit (with the grey bit). But you presumably can't click 1 1/2 click to 1 1/4? The other stuff all goes to hose, and I don't want that (right? Or do I? I thought PVC was the way to go?).

"Not difficult usually"--yeah, that was my impression, so why can't I figure it out? I swear, usually I'm brighter than this!

Megan, there is nothing wrong with having a bit of flexibility at the pump so a small piece of hose would serve that purpose and allow you to connect the Laguna Quick Fit ends also.
"Horton"

Thanks, Horton, I appreciate it! I think I have something that makes sense--I'll see for sure when the parts arrive, I suppose ;).