Aquarium heaters recalled due to fire and laceration hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - (CPSC) 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 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

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