Apple snails (aka mystery snails) are not usually algae eaters, unless they're starving, so wouldn't work, I'm afraid. Usual suspects are some species of nerite snail and shrimp, but as was said above, both are loach targets.
Otocinclus affinis are probably your best bet, but you need to make sure everything is covered in algae before you get them (they won't eat all types, so check the algae type you get) and when one buys them, it is important to make sure they haven't been on a hunger strike. Also, they don't travel well, so best to let them settle in at the LFS for 1-2 weeks before buying.
Large nerites and large shrimp might be ok if your loaches are well fed, but I'd not risk the nerites.. Shrimp are more likely to work, but plant the tank well first.
Re: plants.. buying the ones one likes the look of is futile, as more often than not, they're demanding plants. Yes, I've done this before! Have a look at Tropica's list of
undemanding plants. I recommend Hygrophilas and hornwort (Ceratophyllum spp.) for you. It is claimed that hornwort has anti-algae properties, apparently it releases something which kills some species of algae. Given the amount of light you expect, I'd pass on swords, maybe go for some smaller crypts instead, if you want rosette plants.
I will check exactly what the foxes are and report back with anything I learn...
/fishprofiles....Rock_Kribensis/ which seem pretty special but the reference to killing each other came as a bit of a shock! Do you have any recommendations within the Kribs family as being hard water happy and preferably unlikely to kill each other! 
