Fast Buds | First ever grow

For 3-4 days now they started the pre flowering period, I see small issues on some of the leaves but nothing crticial. Increased the dose of the nutrients and added Bud Candy to the mix. Doing some LST as well just on the main branch. I bought another sf1000 and I am wondering if the best time to put is now or a bit later in the flowering. Also thinking of doing some defoliation in a couple of days.