Lighting Help 38G Please

[sledge75]

I've been researching lighting for my new 38 gallon (36x12.5x19.5) for a while now, and I keep changing my mind as to what I want. I was hoping I could get some opinions. I've tried other forums and have had no responses for several days. My constraints are as follows:

 

-would like to keep a few softies, but mainly LPS & SPS and a few clams

-would like to use a retrofit kit inside a canopy with internal width of 35" and height from water of 9"

-would like to avoid use of a chiller, aka minimize heat issues

 

I was leaning toward T-5s at first, and wanted to put 6 SLS 36" T-5s over the tank, but they need a 36"x15" area under the canopy it seems, and I'd rather not do only 4 of them to fit within the 12.5" tank width nor use the 24" length tubes.

 

I have also thought about maybe a 175W 14K MH with 2 24" T-5 supplements. Wondered how one 175W would cover a 36" tank to maybe ease up on the heat. Is 9" from the surface too close for halides?

 

Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated.