Bioactive Substrate: Bugs took over the tank

[Heyimbrit]

This will probably be moved but I'll post in General for now anyway. I have bioactive substrate for my Sandy. It's a typical topsoil, moss, playground sand mix. I added 2 small pieces of bark from a tree and a few isopods that I found under a rock. I've been seeing a lot of tiny bugs lately and now they've gotten out of control. They're everywhere! I'm not entirely sure what they are (they're not mites) or where they came from. Should I let them be or change out the substrate? I think they might be something like springtails(?) but I really don't know. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[AHBD]

Hi Brit....check with Taterbug , she uses bioactive as well and she posts a lot in the enclosure forum. They are probably harmless but you wouldn't want them climbing all over your beardie.

 

[Taterbug]

Could you describe them? Size, movement, speed? If you have a microscope maybe get a peek at one?

Spring tails (and there are thousands of species) move quickly and most will have the infamous "spring" movement. I have had some local springtails come in on wood/soil and they are quite different from the tropical ones. They are a sort of grey color and don't mind being put in the open. It took a little while for their population to reach a balance.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures