A pedestal for use with a canister filter system and a filter element for positioning and retaining the filter element in the canister filter system includes an at least partially annular body defining a longitudinal axis, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. Also, the pedestal includes an annular wall that terminates at a bottom free end, and that defines a slot that extends axially upwardly and circumferentially from the bottom free end. A flow aperture extends through the annular wall that is disposed axially above the slot.