Alert! -Marineland Stealth Pros -Important!

I just received an e-mail from Petsmart. I copied and pasted it. Apparently, there is a quality issue serious enough for them to pull it off of the market.

"Dear Valued PetSmart Pet Parent,

Marineland has issued a voluntary withdrawal of the Stealth PRO Submersible Heater (100, 200 and 250 watt). The product is being withdrawn due to a quality issue.

If you have this product, please stop using it immediately and take the following steps:

1. Unplug the heater from the wall to stop the flow of electricity
2. Let the heater cool for 15 minutes
3. Remove the heater from the tank

Please bring the product to your closest PetSmart for a full refund or exchange. Replace the product with a comparable heater as soon as possible to maintain the temperature of your aquarium. A PetSmart store associate can help you select the right heater for your aquatic environment.

If you have questions about this withdrawal, please call Marineland Customer Service at 800-526-0650 or 800-432-6986."

I would advise calling your local PetSmart before you bring it into the store.

 

Thank you posting BB.

It's about time they announced a public re-call.
As you are aware, they weren't shipping any out as replacements for the visi-them stealths because of quality issues.

 

Thanks for the " Heads up "

 

Here's a silly question...what if you didn't buy the heater from PetSmart? Are they still taking the returns there? What is a reliable replacement for this heater?

 

Here's a silly question...what if you didn't buy the heater from PetSmart? Are they still taking the returns there? What is a reliable replacement for this heater?

That's why I said to call them. I'm not sure. You can always call Marineland Customer Service. They should be able to direct you on how to either get a refund or a replacement.

 

Here's a silly question...what if you didn't buy the heater from PetSmart? Are they still taking the returns there? What is a reliable replacement for this heater?

Maybe call the store you bought it from or call marineland.

I'm kind of stuck in the middle.
Being I returned a few visi-therm stealths for replacement but they had a in house hold on the pros.
I've got nothing to return with no replacements being sent out.

 

Glad I never switched my old stealths for the pros

 

yeah I just woke up to that email earlier today also, after all the things I read about the stealth pros I been wanting to return it but mine has been ok(about 5 months old) but now that I got the email I just came back from returning it to petsmart, they gave me store credit because I couldnt find my receipt there was no heaters at petsmart I wanted so I had to run to petland and grabbed a fluval E300 heater which I have been eying for awhile now..just wish I would have gotten a money refund so I didnt have to dish out another $60 for a new heater..

 

Maybe call the store you bought it from or call marineland.

I'm kind of stuck in the middle.
Being I returned a few visi-therm stealths for replacement but they had a in house hold on the pros.
I've got nothing to return with no replacements being sent out.

That's why I said to call them. I'm not sure. You can always call Marineland Customer Service. They should be able to direct you on how to either get a refund or a replacement.

Both of mine came from PetMountain. I'll have to give them a call on Monday, and see what they say. What is a good replacement heater to go with? I've been eyeing the Rena Smartheaters.

 

What is a good replacement heater to go with? I've been eyeing the Rena Smartheaters.

I'd suggest a forum search or a new thread for this question.

I had always relied on visi-therm stealth, which by now most of us know were replaced by the stealth pro.

I'll be looking for another brand myself.

 

Do they offer any numbers for the recall or is it all of them?

I had major issues with an old stealth I had once but heaters can cook a fish it happens. I have had my pro's over a year and they are fine.

Not sure what to do here. I do want Jager's though....

 

Thanks BB I think I will exchange many of this heaters. hehe.

 

When I was at petsmart today buying a heater as it happens they were talking about the recall. Even checked the heater I bought to make sure it wasn't one of the recalls that might have been missed on the shelf( It wasn't)
Thanks BB
Carol

 

Anybody have a pic of the defective product? I have some kind of stealth heater but I'm not sure if it's the recalled one.

 

Anybody have a pic of the defective product? I have some kind of stealth heater but I'm not sure if it's the recalled one.

The Delux is made of glass. The visi-therm stealth is black (no indicator light).
The pro is also black but has an indicator light
Pic from Pet Moutain (link at the top of the page)

 

Good morning,

Luckily I have saved my Visi-therm Stealths! I have 3 of the Pros in my 265g for over a year now also. However, I can't risk having 265g's on my floor.

If the heaters were to explode and cause my tank to burst, I would not be able to replace my tank since the room was built around it. I wouldn't be able to get a new tank in the house this size without some major construction being done. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for letting us know BB! Greatly appreciated.

Ken

Edit:
My Stealth Pros have been replaced with my VisI Therm Stealths! (sigh of relief)

 

Took mine back tonight, got a fluval to replace it.

 

I took mine back though they were fine. I replaced with Aqueon pro's and they are great- they run a little hot in my tank but so did my pros so I just set them lower. Very pleased so far with them- they are made by the same company who made the old Stealths.

 

Good morning,

I called MarineLand yesterday. I was on hold for 18 minutes calling the first phone #. Hung up. Called the second # and go through right away.

I have to send in my 3 Stealth Pros along with my receipt of purchase and they will be refunding my . I had the option for a refund (must have purchase receipt) or replacements. I'm not fond of glass heaters so I chose the refund.

The clerk was very helpful and friendly.

Marineland is also refunding or replacing the VisI Therm Stealths. She said that there hasn't been any issues with the VisI Therms but since they are no longer on the market they decided to add these to the list.

I'm keeping my VisI Therms and using them. I used them for over a year with no issues. I currently am using 5 of them.

NOTE: You must have the purchase receipt in order to receive a refund! This is a must. Otherwise they will send you replacement heaters of the same wattage.

I'm pleased and relieved. I explained that I can't risk having 265g's all over my floors and she understood.

Ken

 

wow I came very close to getting one of these heaters a couple of weeks ago, so glad I got the Elite heater instead!

Hope nobody has their marineland heater explode or anything!

 

wow I came very close to getting one of these heaters a couple of weeks ago, so glad I got the Elite heater instead!

Hope nobody has their marineland heater explode or anything!

There's a poll about this:

 

Hmmmm Pet Smart didn't even ask for the receipt at all. They handed me 2 heaters and I only brought one in. It was the first time I got great service there.

I never had any issue with my heaters whatsoever and I had them in for a over a year.

I like my Elite in my 5 gallon tank a lot. No issues on that one either.

I'm really liking my Aqueon Pro's as well. I put it side by side with my old Stealth and they are identical and made by the same company in Italy. They work just like them as well. So I'm a happy girl.

I really hope nobody had one blow as well.

 

FYI - This recall or quality control (what the rep called it) is for all StealthPro heaters over 100w. I had bought the 150w last year so I called to see if mine was included and it is.

 

I just got off of "live-chat" with a PetMountain rep, and they told me that the recall is only affecting the heaters sold by PetSmart. This doesn't sound right to me. I said that I thought that they did not specify any certain lot numbers, and they said it only affects the "problem" lot.

I just got off of the phone with a Marineland customer service rep, and she says that there is no recall, they have only issued a "sales stoppage" while they try to determine if there is a quality control issue.

 

I just got off of "live-chat" with a PetMountain rep, and they told me that the recall is only affecting the heaters sold by PetSmart. This doesn't sound right to me. I said that I thought that they did not specify any certain lot numbers, and they said it only affects the "problem" lot.

I just got off of the phone with a Marineland customer service rep, and she says that there is no recall, they have only issued a "sales stoppage" while they try to determine if there is a quality control issue.

That's weird because I got mine from "Pet Supplies Plus" which is an Indiana chain and they knew about the recall and exchanged mine no questions asked.

 

That's weird because I got mine from "Pet Supplies Plus" which is an Indiana chain and they knew about the recall and exchanged mine no questions asked.

That's the thing, I called Marineland directly...they are saying there is no recall, there is only a "sales stoppage" order. Maybe PetSmart is taking it upon themselves to recall any that they have sold?

 

I just received an e-mail from with the same warning and information.

It's quoted below:

February 15, 2011

Dear MARIE,
We're contacting you with important news about your Marineland Stealth PRO Heater. Marineland is investigating quality issues involving the Stealth PRO Submersible Heater line, and out of an abundance of caution, they have stopped selling 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 watt models. If you have questions about this stop sale or to return these heaters under your Marineland warrantees, please call Marineland Customer Service at 800-338-4896.
Please stop using it immediately and take the following steps:
Unplug the heater from the wall to stop the flow of electricity
Let the heater cool for 15 minutes
Remove the heater from the tank
As a valued customer, your satisfaction is our priority and we would like to offer a replacement or refund for the heater you purchased from us.
Our team of Aquatic Specialists recommends the Marineland Visi-Therm Heaters or Fluval M Submersible Heaters as appropriate substitutes
Please contact Foster & Smith Aquatics Customer Service at 1-800-443-1160 at your earliest convenience to arrange the proper return and exchange/refund of your Marineland Stealth PRO Submersible Heater.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please let us help you continue to enjoy your favorite hobby for many years to come!
Sincerely,
Customer Care Team,
Foster and Smith Aquatics
1-800-443-1160

 

Thanks for the info! I need to dig out my spare heater. We were going to PetSmart on Thursday for hamster and parrot litter, so it isn't an extra trip for us. What a hassle for people who ordered online or have a drive to where they bought their heaters from.

 

Kensfish.com has also issued a recall of the Marineland Stealth Pros.

 

Wow... so the retailers are issuing the recall and Marineland is denying that it exists?

 

Wow... so the retailers are issuing the recall and Marineland is denying that it exists?

Exactly.

I just called United Pet Group, and he confirmed that there is NO recall at this time, there is only a "sales stop" order. He said that if I am concerned that I can send my heater in and they will replace it. That's all fine and well, but what am I supposed to do with my 38 and 10 gallon tanks while I am waiting on them to send me a new heater? I may just call PetSmart and see if they will exchange it for me.

 

Interesting? I was talking with a girl from customer service and she said they will send me the heaters first and when I receive them switch with the old ones I have and send the old heaters back in the same box free shipping.
That is what they are doing for me...

 

Interesting? I was talking with a girl from customer service and she said they will send me the heaters first and when I receive them switch with the old ones I have and send the old heaters back in the same box free shipping.
That is what they are doing for me...

Exactly what number/whom did you call? The guy I got on the phone seemed extremely bothered that I would take up his valuable time. Did you call United Pet Group, or Marineland?

 

Thank you so much for this info I just unplugged mine from the 30 cube and calling Marineland now, being that I bought it from Petco I will let you know what they say!!!


Just got off the phone and it is a stoppage for now until further investagations, They said that they will ship a compatible heater for exchange or to check with the store that you p urchused it from, They also said that it would take 7-10 business days I told them that I cannot wait that long for a heater so I will be checking with Petco soon.

 

Exactly what number/whom did you call? The guy I got on the phone seemed extremely bothered that I would take up his valuable time. Did you call United Pet Group, or Marineland?

My wife called United pet group and he put her trough to someone at Marineland, he said that there was a special phone set up to deal with inquiries for the heaters and put her trough. After being on hold for a while my wife handed the phone over to me and minutes later a woman from Marineland was able to help me with my questions and I must say she was very hepful but a lot of what she said was as before that that it was a stop sell not a recall. They are exchanging my old stealths along with my stealth pros.
Sounds like Marineland should own up and tell it like it is.

 

I took mine back to Petsmart. No hassles. They had the skus and prices taped to the register and she rang up my stuff and prcessed the heater as a return. I didn't even have to get a new heater.

 

I had to deal with Petco for a few minutes I did not call them I went straight there and she came back and said yes there is a recall, I think that Marineland is trying to avoid it till further investagations but I did get a refund and that was it with Petco. So I suppose that further research will reveil on the claims, it may take awhile but if you do have one disconnect it immediately and wait til you can resolve the claim, However I did speak to Marineland and they will take it back and either give you back the money or exchange for a stealth?? I can't remember what they said but like I said will still take 7-10 days for return of new part>

 

I wonder if the one I got in my marineland 55 gallon kit can be returned too? I bought it at pets mart but it was part of the whole package..

 

If it's a pro then yes it can.

 

If it's a pro then yes it can.

Stealth Pro 100 watt and above!!

 

I called marineland today and was put through to a special line. They are sending me replacements, no issues. If you want a refund you do need your receipt. Once I receive the heaters I ship back the old ones prepaid by fedex.

 

Good morning,

I was told the same thing by MarineLand. They aren't recalling them but they have put a stop sell on them. At least they are sending replacements and refunds. (Refunds only sent if you have receipt)

Ken

 

Stealth Pro Heaters Recalled

Just got the mail and got a letter from PetSmart.

"PetSmart is issuing a voluntary withdrawal of the Marineland Stealth PRO Submersible Heater(100, 200 and 250 watt) based on information received from the manufacturer of this product. The product is being withdrawn due to a quality issue."

I've had the 250 for my 75G and it's worked great(thermometer shows it's 2-4 degrees below what I set it to, but that's ok). I've had it since November.

Anyone know what's wrong with them? I heard some heaters explode sometimes. Could this be it? I really don't feel like going to PetSmart, but I guess it has to be done.

Anyone else have one of these heaters?

 

This subject has been floating around ALOT lately. Here is just one of the threads that you may find interesting to read through.

 

I have one in m 10 gallon, I've noticed it runs a bit cold too but other than that it's fine. I think I it mine around Novemberish. I don't have the recipt or anything though I don't think.

 

The two threads have been merged.

QuantumzTheory thnaks for bringing this up again for those that might have missed it.

 

I just called Marineland about a Stealth Pro 200w I had. The lady I spoke with was very nice and is going to mail me a replacement Marineland Visitherm 200w Heater to replace my Stealth Pro.

It was a painless process and hopefully they follow through. I'll update this thread when I find out what happens.