Bugs?

[Skittyfish]

I know that every tank has water bugs. What type of bug would be hopping on the surface? They are tiny, smaller than a pin head, but easily visible to the naked eye. I can see hundreds hopping around, and if I push my riccia under water, I can see even more. They appear to be a brownish color. Any ideas?

[OrionGirl]

Sounds like spring tails. Harmless--I've got one tank that has them, but they've never shown up in any of the others, oddly enough.

[Skittyfish]

Will they get out and around the house? I think that this is what they are, I tried to catch one and look at under my daughter's microscope, but my little helper kept knocking the water over and pouring it into the sink befor I could get one on a slide.
Should I get most of my floaters out and suck as many as I can out with my python?

I must admit, these kind of creep me out. I don't mind knowing there are bugs IN the water, but I don't like the ones ON the water.


edit:spelling

[OrionGirl]

They won't get out of the water. They are aquatic bugs, and will stay in the aquarium. Any that bounce out will dry up and die--too small to make an odor, so no big deal. I've not been able to tell why they survive in my one tank but not the others--it is the only tank that has a light but no glass cover, not sure if that contributes or not.

[Skittyfish]

Hmm....my tank has a glass cover. Oh well, I will try to at least get some of them out next water change, but I'm not gonna stress over it:D .