White clumps in my filter sand when changing, anyone know what it is?

[smooth2222]

I have these white clumps in my sand from the filter.

is it clumped up DE or cellos fiber or maybe those white cotton things in air clumping up? or something else.

replacing my sand anyways, but would like to know what is causing the white clumps, here is a picture

 

[woodyp]

Probably a combination of all the above. What is your normal calcium hardness?-------my next best bet.

 

[smooth2222]

oh its real soft and mushy,

normal calcium levels.

 

[Richard320]

Soft and mushy sounds like DE clods. Even DE filters have some stay behind when backwashing, so it wouldn't surprise me if some lingered in your sand. Does it feel slightly gritty when you smash it between your fingers?

 

[smooth2222]

not gritty at all, if I smoosh it into a cup of water it dissolves into the water. should I worry about this clumping, putting in new sand today.

 

[Richard320]

not gritty at all, if I smoosh it into a cup of water it dissolves into the water. should I worry about this clumping, putting in new sand today.

No. It could be cellulose. That stuff doesn't feel gritty like DE. Whatever it is, you've removed in.

 

[smooth2222]

I like using my fiber cellose though, makes the water crystal clear, like a sheet of glass, but I wouldn't want this clumping up to happen again. maybe I need to dissolve it better before I put it into the skimmer?