I think mites - I can’t tell what kind but are on crabs!

[hermit_crab_mommy]

I have had mites for a few weeks now in the crab tank. I’ve had my crabs for over a year and have never had a problem with them until they showed up. I thought they would go away but they are everywhere including on the crabs. I know at least one of them hate the mites and will try to get them off him but I don’t know what to do or if they are harmful.

[wodesorel]

These are 100% springtails and not mites. They travel anywhere they can find food sources - which sometimes include dirty crabs. You may have been looking at a surprise mold explosion, which is why there are suddenly so many in your tank, they eat mold and keep problems under control. Try limiting the amount of time food is in the tank, maybe just overnight for now. Once their food source is reduced their numbers will get better. These guys are really good to have around though.

[hermit_crab_mommy]

These are 100% springtails and not mites. They travel anywhere they can find food sources - which sometimes include dirty crabs. You may have been looking at a surprise mold explosion, which is why there are suddenly so many in your tank, they eat mold and keep problems under control. Try limiting the amount of time food is in the tank, maybe just overnight for now. Once their food source is reduced their numbers will get better. These guys are really good to have around though.

That’s good. Thank you so much!

[ThePinkHermit]

springtails are actually really great for tank health they eat mold and old stashed food and poop, and the crabs can hunt them for a snack to keep the population down!