Removing vermetid snail shells from old rock

[Bronx19]

Hello team. I have a bunch of old rock that has been dry for a few years, however it is covered in little spiky vermetid snail shells. What is the best way to remove/dissolve them without losing the rock?

Regards.

 

[Gtinnel]

Why not just break them off with a pair of pliers?

 

[Bronx19]

Why not just break them off with a pair of pliers?

They are the small ones, thousands of them.

 

[BostonReefer300]

A muriatic acid cure may help loosen/remove enough of the snail shells to make a difference. Additional benefit would be getting rid of surface bound phosphate. It's tricky though, so look at this link: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...-with-acid-for-a-saltwater-aquarium-reef-faqs

 

[BostonReefer300]

Alternatively, if you like encrusting corals, put them on that rock. Over time, the coral will cover the snail shells and this adds a cool texture to the coral crust