The seeding a filter topic reminded me that we make our own filters. We take a regular white one, a carbon one, a white again, like a sandwhich. Then we sew the edges so it's like a pillow and then sew a criss-cross X in the middle. That helps to reduce the puffiness so the water doesn't just gush over the top.
We tried staples which sorta works but kept a very close eye on them to make sure they didn't get rusty. That worked in a lazy pinch but cause far too much worry so we got over that.
Does anyone else do anything like this?