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Are small silver bugs in my crested gecko tank normal or harmful?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 10th, 2019

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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