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Hello. So right now for my baby crested gecko tank set up I have a 10 gallon with live plants and some wood. (First time reptile owner) I have had this problem before. There are these VERY small little silver bugs and they are in the dirt and also on the wood. I didn’t make this bio active. I don’t think they are on the plants but there is a lot. I am using the dirt bricks and last time this happened I cleaned out his tank but they are back. They are not on my crestie. Are these ok? Suggestions?

Hello. So right now for my baby crested gecko tank set up I have a 10 gallon with live plants and some wood. (First time reptile owner) I have had this problem before. There are these VERY small little silver bugs and they are in the dirt and also on the wood. I didn’t make this bio active. I don’t think they are on the plants but there is a lot. I am using the dirt bricks and last time this happened I cleaned out his tank but they are back. They are not on my crestie. Are these ok? Suggestions?

Updated On January 10th, 2019

Pet's info: Reptile | Gecko | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 2 days old

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

They are probably springtails. It is likely they came in on the plants or wood. They aren't harmful, but can be unsightly in large numbers. In bioactive tanks, they are used as "janitors" to clean up decaying matter, uneaten food and feces.

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