The A/c filter is not a bad idea! But I would use the poly material instead of fiberglass. It can be bought in rolls 24" to 72" wide & 50 to 100 ft long. You could cut it fold it stack it any way you want.
I purchase it for apx. $30 for a 24" X 100ft roll.
I'm searching for a source on line. Here's one for aquariums:
http://www.polyflopondfilters.com/ Here's another but still not what I was refering to:
http://www.pondliner.com/PolyFlo.htm This is it but I don't see pricing:
http://www.aero-flo.com/tackified.html