Bugs on the surface- what are they?

[twb716]

I was working on my aquarium this evening, and noticed VERY little red bugs (barely visible) jumping around on the surface of the water. What are they? Are they bad? Cladoceran perhaps? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

TB

 

[kveeti]

Do you have a magnifying glass or something - to catch one and look at it more closely, i.e. if it has legs? Far as I know cladoceran, like your daphnia, etc. are only in water. On the surface, I don't know, water mites or springtails, perhaps?