A massive product recall of about 1.2 million <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/product_liability">Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro Aquarium Heaters have been recalled for fire and laceration hazards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced.
The defective aquarium heaters were manufactured in China and Italy; imported by the United Pet Group, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and sold at pet stores nationwide and on various websites from January 2004 through February 2011 for between $20 and $300.
A wiring problem can cause the aquarium heaters to overheat or break during normal use, damaging the aquarium and posing fire and laceration hazards. Overheating can cause the heater to shatter or the aquarium glass to break. To date, 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.
The heaters are black plastic tubes with a temperature adjustment knob at the top. The model name “Stealth” (white letters) or “Stealth Pro” (red letters) is printed on the side of the heater. Model number and wattage rating are printed below the model name. Stealth Pro heaters were also sold as part of aquarium starter kits. This product recall involves the following defective Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro aquarium heaters:
Marine Stealth Models
• 25W: ETP25
• 50W: ETP50
• 75W: ETP75
• 100W: ETP100
• 150W: ETP150
• 200W: ETP200
• 250W: ETP250
Marineland Stealth Pro Models
• 25W: ML90447-00
• 50W: ML90448-00
• 75W: ML90449-00
• 100W: ML90450-00
• 150W: ML90451-00
• 200W: ML90452-00
• 250W: ML90453-00
• 300W: ML90454-00
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately stop using the recalled aquarium heaters and contact United Pet Group for a free replacement aquarium heater or a full refund. The CPSC also notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. United Pet Group can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.338.4896 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or at the firm’s website at www.marineland.com.
