We used drip clean and hand watered. I honestly don't know if it prevented salt build up. That is what its supposed to do though. I never ran a side by side with it and without it.
Its going to stunt them... you'd be better off giving them more veg time to regrow some leaves rather than flowering them now. Pics would be helpful to fully access the damage. And you might want to give him a slap...
I wouldn't take clones until the plants are nice and big and healthy. Then your clones are going to take a week or two to root. So.... no you're not going to be able to run 4 on the same schedule. The new clones will be at least a month behind.
That's a good sign, but not diffinative. Look up uncle bens topping thread under advanced techniques. That will help you understand how and where to top.
Just trying to help. That plant will do fine in a seven foot tent. Besides the fact that it gonna be root bound no matter what you do in a one gallon pot. Peace. Happy growing
Topping will let the lower branches catch up to the top. Giving you a flatter plant and there for more light... and there for not as much popcorn buds.
I guess I didn't think of an enclosed locked greenhouse. When the op said outside I instantly thought of plants in dirt outside. Was just trying to keep him out of trouble.