white bugs on the side of my tank

Question
I've had my saltwater aquarium up for a couple weeks now, did the whole cycling thing and I've got a huge infestation of a bunch of white dots on the side of my tank and all over my heater. They're really small, and look like they've got really thin legs and some of them move.
What are they and what can I do?

Answer
Hi Chelsie. I bet you have live rock in your tank too! What you are seeing are a tiny marine life that makes up the zooplankton in the ocean. These are harmless "pods"(either amphipods copepods or isopods)that will scavenge on detritus and algae in your tank. They are a good indication that all is doing good in your tank. At one time or another, usually after the addition of live rock or live sand, every one of us has noticed what looks like tiny bugs running or swimming around all over the place, usually after the tank has been in the dark for a little while. While few are too small to really make out any details, the use of a magnifying glass while holding a flashlight up to the aquarium glass can open up a whole new tiny world to you. don't do anything to try to rid them of your tank they are very beneficial in a marine environment!