Baby isopods taking over!

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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ciaraalston
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Baby isopods taking over!

Post by ciaraalston » Tue May 14, 2019 10:48 pm

Y'all.....
I have thousands of tiny white bugs crawling around all over the sub and cork bark, food dishes, etc. They're even between my water bowls!! I'm assuming they're all baby isopods. I've tried scooping out cups of sub and dumping it into a tote, but they're still multiplying. I only see them when I stop and focus in, so it's not like an obvious issue... but it's getting there.
Help??

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hyelah1990
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by hyelah1990 » Tue May 14, 2019 11:21 pm

Can you post a picture of them?

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soilentgringa
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by soilentgringa » Wed May 15, 2019 12:30 am

If they look like sesame seeds they’re harmless food mites.


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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by ciaraalston » Thu May 16, 2019 2:02 pm

They're very tiny, so I can't get a picture. I'm not sure what food mites look like because I dont think I've ever had any, but these were in my 55 as well so I'm just assuming they're baby isopods. They're almost microscopic, you have to focus to see them. They're all over the sub mostly.
Does anyone have any recommendations? I can't keep scooping out sub, I'm losing depth for molting space.

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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by PinchersAndShells » Tue May 21, 2019 3:34 am

If they're food mites you can just leave them be. They don't bother the hermit crabs and typically come back even after cleaning.
You can tell the difference because food mites look like this:
Image
While baby isopods look like this (you may need to zoom in slightly):
Image

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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by ciaraalston » Tue May 21, 2019 5:03 pm

I spoke with another Hca member, she said they look like springtails and I shouldn't be worried.
I dont see any issues with the crabs, they dont look bothered, so I guess it's all okay.

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Crabby in NJ
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by Crabby in NJ » Thu Nov 21, 2019 9:19 pm

Just curious what the outcome was?
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by GotButterflies » Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:25 pm

Those are food mites, not springtails. :)
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by CrabbyLover77 » Sat Nov 23, 2019 8:26 pm

GotButterflies wrote:Those are food mites, not springtails. :)
I think I'm confused with food mites and springtails. What's the difference? They're both harmless though right? Thanks!

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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by GotButterflies » Sat Nov 23, 2019 11:11 pm

Both are harmless :) You can see the link that I provided to show you the difference in looks up close. Springtails look more like bowling pins. They also jump, which is why you will find them floating in the water :) Food mites can come in different colors.
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by GotButterflies » Sat Nov 23, 2019 11:12 pm

On the red piece is food mites. On the wood is baby isopods :)
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Re: Baby isopods taking over!

Post by CrabbyLover77 » Sun Nov 24, 2019 9:33 pm

GotButterflies wrote:Both are harmless :) You can see the link that I provided to show you the difference in looks up close. Springtails look more like bowling pins. They also jump, which is why you will find them floating in the water :) Food mites can come in different colors.
Thanks so much! I always thought they were the same thing! Image I think I might have had food mites when I first started crabbing years ago because they didn't hop. Thanks again. Image

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