enough clearance for metal halides?

[cowabonga]

I wanna jump into metal halides for my 72 gallon reef. I wanna get a single 175 watt first and if all goes well...get another one later on. I was just wondering if i have enough clearance under my canopy. It will probably be around 4 inches from the water. maybe a little lower or higher, not sure. Will this be a problem? I plan to keep the canopy open and juss attach a couple of fans. Will a single splash of water on the bulb cause it to explode? What other problems will i face?
Will this light be sufficient to get keep sps and clams. I currently have 2x96 day light and 4x65 wat...i will probably take out 2x65 to make room for this. Thanks

 

[mlm]

Most manufactors recommend 10 inches from the water. I personally keep mine 12 inches above the water, although I know there are some people here that keep theirs 4 to 5 inches above the water line.

 

[kpogue]

AGREED!! Next time you feed your fish flake food observe how high and the amount of water that splashes. Go at LEAST 10".