Your friend sounds like he builds systems very close tot he ones China pumps out. They are built with 1w Bridgelux or worse LEDS.
For SPS and Clams, I wouldn't use them unless your livestock is 6 inches away from the light and directly under it. I speak from experience, I have a 120w currently over my 30 gallon.
I would do one 120w lamp over each 1.5-2 feet of tank, as close to the water as possible. For a 24 inch deep tank, you will be looking at uner 150 par at max depth but like with all LEDs, the initial par at higher levels is good.
As for LEDs, a (white-blue) of (2-1) ratio will net you about 14,000K. Mine is 1-1 and it is definately 20k at least.
As for pricing, you can get these systems for $150-220 shipped from China. I can point you in the right direction if you wish. I can vouch for one company, my light has been going great for almost a year. They also offer 3 years warrenty etc which leads me to believe your friend is in fact reselling and not manufacturing.
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