How close is always as close as possible... Hand check and check with a thermometer. ~ 18" is a safe place to start, unless you have really weak or barely rooted clones or temperature problems then work your way closer.
There are a couple examples of what you can expect from the equal 3x600 over two 4x4 trays on one of the SeeMoreBuds videos. They yielded 5-6lbs ea room SOG style if you want to compare your results. You'll equal two of their rooms in one, so for you up to 12lbs if you're really trying and doing a similar hydro to theirs. I think they just used GH flora and off the shelf aquamist systems. I can't tell you which video it's on , 1, 2, or 3 I have all of them. TPB
I mention that just because hey, 6 x 600w you must be trying for a yield... Compare to the pro's, buy the video's.