Small shells and clumping of sand

[AquaVaj]

When I started the tank I bought some really fine live sand. They were like sugar size grain. After about 4 months now I see a bunch of small shells and little clumps of sand everywhere. Where did they all come from and how do I get rid of them? I want my sand back to how it use to be.

 

[wickedfish]

Shells are probably small dudes that expired. They were most likely living in your rock work.

The clumping happens to the best of us. I think it has to do with calcium and alk precipitating out.

Recommendation is to extract what you don't like. Add new sand with a long tube or funnel, might be a 2 person job or do it in small batches. Turn off the flow though. Gl