metal halide and heat

I just aquired a 175 watt metal halide fixture. I have a closet set up with a a 15'' oscillating fan blowing directly at the fixture but noticed tonight that the fixture got pretty warm after only a few hours. I am wondering if this will be safe for me to leave it on the entire 18 hrs. of the cycle. Closet approximately 3' X 4'. Thanks.

... whats the actual temp???

with the light on it doesn't get above 75 degrees in the area. I was worrying about burning the leaves. Approximately how close should this lamp be under these conditions?

generally... if it hurts your hand, it'll burn the plants...

i couldn't tell you an exact distance, i've never used that light, but, i would figur anywhere from 6-12 inches above the canopy

hold your thermo at that level once the lights been for a couple hours and get a good reading from there... 85 and under and your sterling =]