8" clearence (Bulb to Water) OK for MH

I've been trying to decide on light upgrade for a while.
I have 10" clearance from my canopy to water.
With retro MH reflector I think clearance bulb to water will be 8" to 9".

100 gal 60" x 24"D thinking of dual 175 watt MH plus two 54 watt t5's

Dual 250's or 400's would probable be better from what I've read.
But don't want to send my whole paycheck to Edison.

Also not sure what I want to keep for corals, been running this as FOWLR
for about 6 month keeping to reef safe fish & inverts.

What could I keep with the dual 175's or what should I stay away form.

Thanks

 

You can keep many soft corals as well as a large amount of LPS and some SPS as well. Remember that water quality and temperature is also very important!
Many corals can be kept under subdued lighting though the colors will fade and not be as vibrant! You have some ways of achieving the optimum lighting from your 175 however!! By keeping salt creep and DOM etc. under control you will be able to keep your lighting as strong as possible without be diminished due to turbidity variables as mentioned above!
Also, you have room to adjust certain corals higher or lower depending on their lighting requirements! For example SPS will do better if placed high in your tank whereas many LPS' and Octocorals(soft corals) can be placed lower and not be affected as much!