Mr. A, that is called a blackout, and it can be done to the tank without disturbing the plants. just remove the light fixture from the tank and cover the entier thing with trash bags, blankets, drop cloth, whatever will block out 100% of the light. the fish won't be bothered by it, and it does the same thing your method does, only you won't have to replant or disrupt fragile plants like crypts that don't like being moved.
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In the factories and mills, in the shipyards and mines
We've often been told to keep up with the times
For our skills are not needed, they've streamlined the job
And with sliderule and stopwatch our pride they have robbed
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