A diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is disclosed. Also disclosed is a filter cartridge that comprises a core element having an inner diameter, two ends and apertures formed therein, a diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element having an inner and an outer diameter positioned about the core element wherein the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is about 1.5 to about 2.5, an open end cap, for transferring fluid into or out of the core element, positioned at one end of the core, and a closed end cap, for preventing fluid from exiting therefrom, positioned at the other end of the core, the closed end cap including structure for positioning the open end cap in filtration housing. Systems and methods for manufacturing the filter cartridge and the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter media itself are also disclosed.