I'd start at 18" with a quantum board. Those are samsung lm301 diodes? if so, definitely start there.
Height will control coverage area. Usually when i look at these QB PAR coverage maps (PAR readings averaged per m^2 = PPFD), they typically are great at 18". At 12" they tend to have a massive hotspot directly under the boards that is too intense for most plants.
This will be trial and error. A light meter can help. When you see a bad reaction to too much light you can measure and know to stay below that... when it stretches too much, you can measure and stay above that... after a little back and forth you'll find an optimal height / dim to your lights.
best case, you allow height to dictate area of coverage... after that dim the light based on plant's behaviour, if needed. So, raise it until it is fairly intense even at the edges of where plant canopies will exist.
i don't know if that's one frame, but if you can space them out, it might provide a better blanket. I wouldn't worry too much if not. QBs are a great option.
again, a PAR meter is invalueable, but expensive. a cheap light meter (lux/lumen) can inform you about intensity, but not give you a PAR value. Relative intensity can do all the same thngs i mentioned above. When you find a max lux it can handle, that'll remain consistent relative to genetics of the plants grown. That'll always be a good ballpark to start. However, lux values will only be good under the same light... you'll need a different 'max value' if measuring a different light. spectrum impacts lux values, as long as you stay under same light spectrum, it is a consistent measurement. e.g. if you buy a different light, you'll have to learn min/max values per light.