Fires Lead to Recall of 1.2M Stealth and Stealth Pro Aquarium Heaters

About 1.2 million Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro aquarium heaters have been recalled due to defects that may allow them to overheat and potentially cause a fire or shatter aquariums.   

The aquarium heater recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after the manufacturer, United Pet Group, reported that it had received at least 38 reports of fires resulting in property damage and 45 reports of aquarium glass breaking due to problems with Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro aquarium heaters. One consumer reportedly suffered an eye injury when a heater broke while he was holding it.

According to the CPSC, the recalled aquarium heaters have defective wiring that may cause them to overheat or break. The overheating is also what is causing consumers’ heaters or even their aquariums to shatter. The CPSC has determined that the heaters represent both a fire and laceration hazard to consumers.

The recall affects Marineland Stealth aquarium heaters with model numbers ETP25, ETP50, ETP75, ETP100, ETP150, ETP200 and ETP250. The recall also includes Marineland Stealth Pro aquarium heaters with model numbers ML90447-00, ML90448-00, ML90449-00, ML90450-00, ML90451-00, ML90452-00, ML90453-00 and ML904454-00. The heaters are black plastic tubes with a temperature adjustment knob at the top. They will either have the word “Stealth” in white letters or “Stealth Pro” in red letters on the side of the heater. The model number and wattage rating are printed below the model name. Some of the Stealth Pro aquarium heaters affected by the recall were sold with aquarium starter kits.

The recalled aquarium heaters were sold at pet stores nationwide and through a number of websites from January 2004 through February 2011 for between $20 and $300.

The CPSC recommends that consumers immediately stop using the defective aquarium heaters contact United Pet Group for a full refund or replacement heater at 1-800-338-4896. Consumers can also contact the company through its website at www.marineland.com.