Abstract: A filter system for fluids having an elongate filter basket mounted in tension in a filter housing, the filter element being retained therein by a boltless flange engaging the top thereof and an elongate tube engaging the element bottom and urging it downwardly in response to a single nut engaging a rod through the tube and element and fixed to the housing. A novel filter element for the system is disclosed having longitudinal support rods for containing and supporting a fragile filter medium, such as sintered metal, in any size filter element. In another embodiment, a novel filter element for indepth filtering is disclosed.