Home › Appliances & tools › Aquarium Heaters
Aquarium Heaters
The notice says to stop using it — see below for what to do.
What’s wrong
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.
The Recall Registry rates this serious — Fire or burn risk.
What it looks like
Photos help. Identifiers decide. Appearance can vary by color, finish or packaging. Confirm the model number, date code or other identifier in the official notice.
Recall image provided by CPSC
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled aquarium heaters and contact United Pet Group for a free replacement aquarium heater or a full refund.
Who to 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
The product
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 Models Marineland Stealth Pro Models Wattage Model # Wattage Model # 25W ETP25 25W ML90447-00 50W ETP50 50W ML90448-00 75W ETP75 75W ML90449-00 100W ETP100 100W ML90450-00 150W ETP150 150W ML90451-00 200W ETP200 200W ML90452-00 250W ETP250 250W ML90453-00 300W ML90454-00
Details
- Units affected
- About 1.2 million
- Recall date
- April 21, 2011
- Brand
- United Pet Group, of Cincinnati, Ohio
- Injuries reported
- Yes
- What has been reported
- 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.
Pet stores nationwide and on various websites from January 2004 through February 2011 for between $20 and $300.
The official notice
This recall was issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Recall Registry summarises it — always confirm the details at the source.
Their exact wording: “Aquarium Heaters Recalled by United Pet Group Due to Fire and Laceration Hazards”
Worried about the other things in your house? You can write down what you have and be told if one is recalled — or, if you sell second-hand, check your whole stock at once.
Filed under: Appliances & tools