Unknown bugs in my tank!

For the discussion of any creepy crawlies that may have taken up residence in your tank, including mites. Please note that isopods have their own forum.
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Schap24
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Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by Schap24 » Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:34 pm

Hi,
I have these tiny white bugs that are crawling around in my soil. They are not found in the food dish, rather they are found in the soil. I have had mites in the past, but there are not mites. They also have wings/ or just have a very shiny/ smooth back. I noticed that when disturbed they also pop around alot. I am worried that they could be harmful to my hermies. Please help!

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aussieJJDude
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Re: Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by aussieJJDude » Tue Mar 05, 2019 2:56 am

By the sound of it, sounds like springtails. They harmless, and actually help reduce chance of mould occurring by eating organic matter.

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wodesorel
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Re: Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by wodesorel » Tue Mar 05, 2019 8:31 am

Agree with JJ, sounds like springtails or thrips.
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Schap24
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Re: Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by Schap24 » Tue Mar 05, 2019 12:59 pm

Thank you wodesorel and aussieJJDude. Is there any point at which there could be to many and I should exchange the substrate?

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Re: Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by wodesorel » Tue Mar 05, 2019 1:18 pm

If it really grosses you out, there's no harm in changing your sub if you can do so safely with no molters. They might come back quickly though.

I've found them to be very self-limiting, growing in numbers and dying back off based on how much food (waste) they have to eat. I've never had to control them, mostly I end up wishing for more!
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Schap24
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Re: Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by Schap24 » Tue Mar 05, 2019 1:54 pm

Thanks again! this information is very helpful, I will continue to monitor the condition of the tank.


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Re: Unknown bugs in my tank!

Post by Katiematt1 » Tue Jul 16, 2019 1:40 pm

I'm having the same problem at this moment. Well honestly this problem for awhile. I clean my cage and within a week or so I start to see tinny little bugs. When I'd let them be with in two weeks there are 1000s of them. Today when I took the tank out to be washed the bugs started to jump.

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