Stealth Heater Recall

[RD.]

It appears that Marinelands little investigation that started several months back has now been updated to a voluntary recall. At this point pretty much every Stealth heater ever sold has now become a risk for fire and/or injury. I pulled all of mine a few months back when I found that one of my older Stealths was leaking stray current.

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2011

Release #11-202 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 338-4896

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Aquarium Heaters Recalled by United Pet Group Due to Fire and Laceration Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro Aquarium Heaters

Units: About 1.2 million

Importer: United Pet Group, of Cincinnati, Ohio

Hazard: A wiring problem can cause the aquarium heaters to overheat or break during normal use, damaging the aquarium and posing fire and laceration hazards to consumers. Overheating can cause the heater to shatter or the aquarium glass to break.

Incidents/Injuries: United Pet Group has received 38 reports of fires resulting in property damage and 45 reports of broken aquarium glass. United Pet Group has received one report of a consumer who suffered an eye injury when the aquarium heater forcefully broke while he held it.

Description: The recall involves the following Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro aquarium heaters. The heaters are black plastic tubes and have a temperature adjustment knob at the top. The model name "Stealth" (in white letters) or "Stealth Pro" (in red letters) is printed on the side of the heater. The model number and the wattage rating are printed below the model name. Stealth Pro heaters were also sold as part of aquarium starter kits.

Marineland Stealth ModelsMarineland Stealth Pro Models WattageModel #WattageModel # 25W ETP25, 25W ML90447-00, 50W ETP50, 50W ML90448-00, 75W ETP75, 75WML90449-00, 100W ETP100, 100W ML90450-00, 150W ETP150, 150W ML90451-00, 200W ETP200, 200W ML90452-00, 250W ETP250, 250W ML90453-00, 300W ML90454-00

Sold at: Pet stores nationwide and on various websites from January 2004 through February 2011 for between $20 and $300.

Manufactured in: China and Italy

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled aquarium heaters and contact United Pet Group for a free replacement aquarium heater or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact United Pet Group at (800) 338-4896 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.marineland.com