Yup! Thats topping. Those pics show it perfectly. Its easier to show with a pic than it is to explain. But its very easy. Its kinda like chomping the head off of the plant, then it grows two new heads. Thats a easy way to explain.
So this is your first grow huh? Well you have my support and help and I am sure many other members here will help you too. I am kinda new to this site, but everyone is really helpfull, and I would like to help as much as possible.
I am sure you will do a great job on topping your plants. I have faith in ya! I really have to admit, if you never said you were new at growing, and I seen those pics, I would think you have done this before. I think the first grow is always a special one, even if your plants dont make it to the flowering stage, you learn from your mistakes, and the next time you avoid the mistakes you made.
That is a great idea you have about your fish tank, it will really help the humidity. I have a snake, a python, and he requires high humidity, so I have my plants near his cage, and they get the humidity too. Its really easy to create a great inviorment for your plants, and you got a great idea, Hell, even a small little bowl with water will help create humidity.
One thing I am concerned about with your grow, is your lights. At the early stage, you can get away with skimping on the lights, but when they are 1-2ft tall, and you have 3-4 plants, you need optimal lighting.
I suggest getting a HPS light to add to what you have. They have one for 25.00. Its 150 watts HPS. I will get you the link.
http://www.e-conolight.com/Product/EProductDetail.asp?ProductFamilyID=7&FGNumber=E-MT6H151G
Your plant will love this light, especially during the flowering stages. This is what I am using.....a 150W HPS, a 175W HPS, 100W Light for extra warmth, and 2 fluero shop lights. Right now I am just using the 2 shop lights that are very very close to my plants to avoid stretching, then I have the 100W Light for warmth, it has that metal dome around it too for even better effective lighting. I will use just this for another week. Then I will add the 150W HPS and keep that on them untill flowering time. Once I change to 12/12 I will add the other 175W HPS.
Also, I would get the mylar. Its excellent for reflecting and shoudln't ever create any hotspots that can burn your plant. And if you can't get that, just use white paint. Its not the best, but it will reflect light better than nothing.
Once your plants start making the 2 new tops after you topped, Id love to see a pic. I think your doing great, and my knowledge is at your disposol.
And I bet I even learn a new thing or two from you. Now matter how long you have grown, you can always learn something new, even from someone who just started growing.
Keep it up bro! Happy Growing.....Puff...Puff...Passes it to you!
" Some people decide to build great bodies, I decide to build great plants "