Under driving a bulb

[gkq325286]

I have a 175 MH ballast and the cheap bulb I bought isn't worth the low low price and wont fire. So while I wait for a new 175 bulb is there any harm in throwing a 250 that I have sitting here in the ballast? Something is better than nothing is my thought

 

[scottfarcuz]

I doubt it will fire the bulb.

I have little electrical experience, but I wouldn't risk trying it for fear of trashing the ballast.