While this recall is voluntary, Advanced Aquarist recommends all owners of Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro heaters to return their units for a refund or exchange due to severe dangers posed by faulty wiring within this product line.  This product defect was serious enough to warrant the attention of the US government.

According to United Pet Group, UPG will arrange the return of the recalled model(s) in your possession in exchange for your choice of a free replacement heater (Visi-Therm Deluxe), or full refund. Please contact UPG at (800) 338-4896 between 7:30 am – 5:30 pm EST Monday through Friday to begin the process.

No receipt or original box is required for the refund or exchange.  However, we have heard several reports that UPG may only provide partial refunds.  If they are unable to provide a full refund for your Stealth/Stealth Pro heater, we recommend you bring your unit(s) to an authorized Marineland retailer (some of whom are reportedly more generous with their refunds/exchanges)

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.

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

source: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11202.html