Little White Bugs

I looked in my tank last night and i noticed a whole bunch of really small white bug-like creatures all over my glass (i originally thought they were just dust particles, but their movement seemed conscious. However, i do not see them on any corals or live rock or my shrimp, and i do have algae growing pretty quickly on the glass as well. Firstly, are these normal SW creatures or are they airborne bug larvae (i have an open-top tank). Secondly, as they seem to be eating my algae, are they beneficial, and, if not, how do I get rid of em?

 

dont worry those are copapods (sp?). You want those in your tank.

 

After almost 2 years I just saw my first in my tank. Congrats. Took work for me to get mine there. You want them there so no worries they are good!

 

i have the same white specs.. although most mine are snowflake shaped under magnifying glass there are others that are small ovals . i was informed from 3reef the ovals are more then likely copepods(sp) and the snowflakes are more then likely a hydroid... dont quote me on the last one im still lookin it up