Stealth Pro Heater Recall!!!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Yes, the recall extends to Canada as well.

Well at least they are being honest about their product and recalling it voluntarily not ignoreing the issue.

They have been aware of the problem with their Stealth Pro's for over a year, and did nothing until Petsmart recently pulled them from their shelves. Do a google search & you will find numerous threads discussing issues with Stealth Pro heaters, some of them exploding in the tank, a couple that actually blew the tank out when the heater exploded. There's a few threads here on MFK as well, here's a recent one.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382793

I can understand if/when there's a SNAFU in a product line, it happens.
What I don't understand is why when a company knows they have a problem, and it's a serious problem, and it involves an entire product line, why they then continue to play CYA instead of stepping up & doing the right thing.

Below is a link to a copy of United Pet Groups letter to their distibutors:

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/02/14/marineland-stealth-pro-heaters-recall/

Notice how they make it appear as only the ML lots were affected?
While I know that to be true, I also know that Marineland are fully aware that other lots were also affected, including both their G & H lot numbers. All one has to do is spend some time on google, and read the letters issued by Marineland reps. I have also read several letters posted by consumers that involved both the G & H lots. IMO they are all potential ticking time bombs.

What I find most disturbing about this is that United Pet Group has been fully aware of this problem for at least 12 months, and not only aware of the fact that their faulty heaters could cause a serious loss of livestock, and a serious cause of damage to ones home (one person had the side of his 75 gallon blow when the heater exploded) but most importantly the potential for loss of the life to anyone who happens to stick their hand in their tank if/when one of these faulty heaters begins to leak stray current.

This fiasco with Marineland heaters is a classic example of why one should always use a grounding probe, and have their aquarium protected by a GFCI. (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) It's cheap insurance that could one day save your life.

For myself I will never again use a Marineland heater in any of my tanks, and up until now I have been a huge supporter of their Stealth line of heaters.
 
I'm not saying that there is any way not a problem here.. but it seems the issues where related to the heater being removed from the water and still being on?... I always unplug heaters and let them "cool" 15+ mins before removeing them from the water. when doing water changes I simply unhook the heater from the suction cups and drop it down so its's not exposed to the air anymore then normal. There does seem to def be some that where no doubt about it "malfuctioning" but also seems alot of people who are not being safe to begin with when dealing with heaters?

RD thanks for info. printed it out to drag to work with me if they already havent pulled tehse offa our shelves.
 
Is the Marineland stealth pro different from the Marineland Shatterproof heater? just double checking because I have a shatterproof heater (the one that lights up).
 
No, that has only been the case with some, others were fully submerged and still blew up out of the clear blue. Some had been running for years, some only weeks.

Either way, when Marineland first released their Stealth line several yrs ago many reps stated that the heaters could be left plugged in while performing water changes as the heater sensor would shut off. They were also advertised as being shatterproof, and again with overheat protection.

Below is exactly how Stealth's were advertised by Marineland.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE FEATURES
Easy-Set Temp Select Dial
Ensures accuracy to within 1° F.
Shatterproof Thermal Plastic Casing
Protects components against UV's, thermal/mechanical shock.
Stop-Restart Overheat Protection
Shuts heater down automatically if left out of water.
Aluminum Core Cylinder and 8-Cavity Heating Element
Distribute core heat evenly, efficiently.
Shock Absorber
Safely secures the heating element.
 
"I'm not saying that there is any way not a problem here.. "

Hence why I stated this first. ;) Not only am I agreeing with you.. I'm also pointing out that not all heater blow-outs are neccisarily manufacture error and people should take great care and read instruction manuals. And yes even though marineland exagerated the products capability... doesn't every company trying to sell something? Anything that plugs into a wall should be respected. particularly those that also involve heating or glass.. or heck water.
 
i contacted marine land about the 2 i bought 3 weeks ago that split. they are sending me 2 new 300 watt visi-therms in replace of the stealths.
 
I just called and talked to Marineland and they told me the recall is NOT through them, it's something Petsmart is doing and not an authorized recall through them..:irked:
I have 2 of the older 1st gen Stealths and They're going to send me the glass vis therm version for the one that died and not replacing the still working one..:nilly: They told me my version isn't having the same issues as the new stealths..lol
 
hbluehunter;4889981;4889981 said:
I just called and talked to Marineland and they told me the recall is NOT through them, it's something Petsmart is doing and not an authorized recall through them..:irked:
I have 2 of the older 1st gen Stealths and They're going to send me the glass vis therm version for the one that died and not replacing the still working one..:nilly: They told me my version isn't having the same issues as the new stealths..lol
So this is only if you bought the heater from Petsmart? What if you have heaters obtained through other means? I have several of these laying around the house that I've purchased from all over the place. Am I still covered by the recall?
 
I suggest that everyone read this:

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/02/14/marineland-stealth-pro-heaters-recall/

That should be clear enough, Marineland has no intention of using words such as recall. (for legal reasons)

Read between the legal speak, it's CYA time.

The ML series are not the only lot #'s that have been affected, and over this past year Marinleand has already admitted to problems with both their G & H lots.

Why anyone would exchange a defective piece of junk with another heater form the same company is beyond me? Good luck with that.
 
jcardona1;4889993; said:
So this is only if you bought the heater from Petsmart? What if you have heaters obtained through other means? I have several of these laying around the house that I've purchased from all over the place. Am I still covered by the recall?


thats what I was wondering too! would like to know
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com