ok so i got a new filter and it works pretty good, it has an extra hose that comes out that has a nob on it that you turn clockwise and counterclock wise, if its turned all the way clockwise it just filters and pushes the water out, but if you turn it counterclock wise, it sucks air through this little thing thats filtered by some soft clothlike thing, and makes airbubbles in the water while it filters.. should i turn this on or off, i have it on right now because i dont have an air pump and its summer where i live so im supposed to have more oxygen in the tank.

hmmm i can't picture your setup do you know what type of filter it is does it hang on the back of the tank or is it in the tank. if it is a hob (hang on back) then you don't need the air as the ripples create air in the tank if it sits in the tank then you should use the bubble feature i have done some thinking and could this filter be a sponge filter like in the image below

Sounds like a sponge filter to me. Yeah, you will need the air bubbles going with this particular kind. Any way you can post a pic or a link so we can know for sure?

How big is your tank, and for how many fish? The reason I ask is because sponge filters work well, but HOB are better. And, if you can swing it canister filters are better than HOB and with fish, especially goldfish, filtration is everything.

It sounds alot like one of the Penguin powerhead+sponge filter combos. I have one as a suppliment on my 20g and the way squidward describes his sounds identical to mine

yeah its a penguin powerhead 550, but it moves 145 gallons per hour. i have 1 common gold fishie in it, and its a 10 gallon tank.
heres a link:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_det...D=1184174664716
and a pic:

Ohh, okay. What you have there is not a filter then. Powerheads are used for getting the water moving and for getting surface agitation which leads to increased amounts of oxygen in the water.

Unless you have a sponge filter attached to the powerhead. If that is true, you still might want to look into a HOB filter to do the lion's share of the work. Or, if you can afford it, a nice canister filter.

If you need suggestions, all of us are willing to let you know our opinions/experiences.

oh alright, how can i get a sponge filter attatched to that then? i also have another filter where you change the cartridges that i attatch to my 10 gallon too.

The penguin power head that I have is the 660 with the sponge prefilter. You can usually get the sponges themselves at Pmart. The sponge itself would slide over the intake strainer on your 550.

The air bubble option is called a venturi, its fantastic to use, helps aerate and I've found fish love to play in current/bubbles.