Annoying 'Evil' Algae.

[Joe97]

My five gallon cube aquarium (10 x 10 x 10 inches) has a plant that's covered in a net-like algae which spreads from top to bottom, covering almost every square inch of space. It's clogged up with waste food and fish feaces which don't get sucked into the filter so polute the tank and make me want to throw the tank out the window. The problem is that I can't just rip the plant out or snip off all the algae because it's F-U-L-L of tiny baby snails and three or four guppy fry. I can't kill the snails even because I would feel really bad. Even if I accidently squash a fly it makes me sad .
Silly me, what am I to do?
Thankyou in advance,
Joe

 

[Gav935]

It needs to be removed manually, there's no other way.

 

[Joe97]

How should I set about it?

 

[Bobtastic]

Check out this link. You should be able to find out which type of algae you have and how to get rid of it.

 

[Joe97]

Thanks Bobtastic,
I had a look and I found two or three things that could be my problem. From what I've gathered I'll discard my plant or trip all the algae off and give my tank a thurough (excuse the spelling) clean. I have a little plastic container that I could move my 2-3 fry and a lucky pair of snails (to start a fresh little family).
I also read that I should increase my CO2 but how should I set about this?
Thankyou!
Joe

 

[CKutz]

if you don't want to go with DIY co2, or pressurized co2, you can try easycarbo, or flourish excel.

 

[Bobtastic]

I think CKutz covered pretty much all of the Co2 options there. I believe (not tried it yet) but pressurised Co2 gives the best results as you have better control of the flow and pressure.

Also depending on the size of your tank you can disregard everything but pressurised, unless it's a temperary solution.

 

[Joe97]

Thanks for the help,
Joe

 

[Bobtastic]

Did you manage to identify and sort out your algae problem?