If you have a Marineland Stealth Pro Heater, please take this poll

I have one in my Jack dempsey baby tank, Have not had any problems with it, its been a few weeks since I bought it. guess I should put a thermometer in to check and see if its keeping the temp.

 

I have 2. One in my 10gal (spot on) and one in my 56gal (1-2 degrees off). Both work great.

 

StealthPro not working.

I just bought mine and it can't heat the tank more then one more degree then it was at before I set the heater in there. And since I have it set quite above that temp I would say it isn't working. I am going to return it and get I think a Jager or at least so far that is what looks to be the best heater out there. Any thoughts?

 

I just bought mine and it can't heat the tank more then one more degree then it was at before I set the heater in there. And since I have it set quite above that temp I would say it isn't working. I am going to return it and get I think a Jager or at least so far that is what looks to be the best heater out there. Any thoughts?

Rather than asking for heater recommendations in this poll where is could be easily overlooked, it would be a good idea to start a new thread or do a forum search on the type of heater you're interested in.
See what others have to say about it.

A quick search for Jager turned up this thread:

 

wondering if this problem is still going on with the stealth pro heater exploding? I purchased a 55 gallon LED Kit from marinleand and the heater is has with it is a the stealth pro 200watt .. My tank is not set up yet, but I am wondering if should skip using this heater and just buy a new one of a different brand.. I am using and Aqueon in my other tank. not sure what to do...

 

wondering if this problem is still going on with the stealth pro heater exploding? I purchased a 55 gallon LED Kit from marinleand and the heater is has with it is a the stealth pro 200watt .. My tank is not set up yet, but I am wondering if should skip using this heater and just buy a new one of a different brand.. I am using and Aqueon in my other tank. not sure what to do...

Every heater made has had a failure at some point in time. Install the heater, if it won't hold temp, then they will replace it. There are NO guarantees that ANY heater you buy will be perfect.

 

Just to report back, I called Marineland about my stealth pro, and they are replacing it with a Visitherm. She said the stealth pro's are on "quality assurance review", so they are unavailable. For the record, my lot # was 01K31, and I previously called it a 150W, but it's a 100W. I haven't been in a pet store for a while, so I don't know if they've been pulling them from the shelves. My guess is that Marineland just isn't currently sending any more out, but hasn't told their distributors anything.

takadI and chI lady, you should give them a call about your heaters. I barely told the representative my problem, and she said, "Well, we've got to replace that for you." Other than being on hold, it was a 2 minute phone call.

 

Just to report back, I called Marineland about my stealth pro, and they are replacing it with a Visitherm. She said the stealth pro's are on "quality assurance review", so they are unavailable. For the record, my lot # was 01K31, and I previously called it a 150W, but it's a 100W. I haven't been in a pet store for a while, so I don't know if they've been pulling them from the shelves. My guess is that Marineland just isn't currently sending any more out, but hasn't told their distributors anything.

takadI and chI lady, you should give them a call about your heaters. I barely told the representative my problem, and she said, "Well, we've got to replace that for you." Other than being on hold, it was a 2 minute phone call.

That's pretty close what I was told when I followed up on some visi-therm stealths I sent back for replacement.

I refused the offer for the visi-therm deluxes since I paid more for the stealths.

I'm waiting this out.

 

Do I need to give them any information to get a replacement heater or do they just send it no questions asked?

 

voluntary withdrawal of the Stealth PRO Submersible Heater



Please see this thread:

 

I can confirm the exploding heater reports... Last November, I had just replaced an old heater that quit working with a 200 watt Marineland Series Pro and had had it in the tank about a two weeks. I was in my livingroom one afternoon and heard a very loud thud sound. Went in the bedroom (where I keep my tank) and saw what appeared to be shiny snow (presumably glass) raining all over the inside of my tank. Two of my fish were tumbling across the aquarium. As I looked in the tank, there was a burst of yellow and blue fire from the corner of the aquarium where the heater was. I killed the power to the strip cord everything was plugged into. When I did that, all the lights went out in that end of the home. (It had thrown the breaker.)

Fortunately, I can report that my tank wasn't damaged nor were any my fish killed. I thought one was going to be a gonner because he floated upside down for several hours after that...his one moving fin was the only sign he was still alive. But, the next day, all the fish were upright, sans a lot of scales, but alive. They all are still fine today.

Now...the stupid part is it never occurred to me that it was the new heater. I searched around the tank to figure out what (else) could have exploded in there and never figured it out. When I pulled the heater out later, it had a long crack all the way down the side and a large lump of some wiring and glass melted onto the side of it. The heater itself looked pretty normal, other than the crack...so my assumption was that something else in the tank had hit the heater, exploded, melted onto the side of it and caused the crack.

So...of course, I went out and bought the exact same heater to replace it. It has been working fine in there since November until today, when the official recall came out. I immediately unplugged it and returned it to the store where I purchased it for another model.

To this day, I still can't figure out what was melted on to the side of it.... I can only assume now that it must have been the guts of the heater itself and that there must be some mongo hole under the melted pile of mess.

It's unfortunate...I've never had a lick of problems with any marineland equipment before.

Travis,

I have a question for you as well as anyone that has had their heater explode, and be honest...Do you unplug the heater during water changes or do you leave them on allowing the auto shutoff to activate? Or has the heater ever been left on while not submerged...even once?
------------------


A month ago I picked up two used older stealth 100 and 200w heaters and they have accurate dials and very steady temperature. I also got an older Visatherm 300w with a used 55 gallon setup and the dial is off by like 6-7 degrees but it keeps very steady temp. To me marked dials are kind of a joke because they usually lose their original adjustment with age.


Just in case I will be taking my newer version 200w out of my 46g and trading it with the older/used stealth 200w in my brackish water aging vessel. I like an indicator light but I can live without it.

Also, does anyone know the location of the lot #?

I'm an "exploder" so I'll answer your question...I'm actually a paranoid freak about working in my tank with stuff plugged in. I turn everything off except the light when I'm working on a full clean (vacuuming the bottom, large water change, scrubbing the side, changing the filters, etc.). I've owned 3 different large aquariums (50, 55 and 75) for the past 10 years and this is the first time I've ever had anything bizzarro like that happen with a tank.

 

Rainbowdash. That's awful. Thanks for sharing the story.

I can confirm the exploding heater reports...

Unfortunately, the point of this thread was for established members (i.e. people who we know aren't joining the forum just to badmouth these heaters, which has happened several times in the past) to vote in the poll.

As of this point, to keep the poll within the parameters I've sent, there are still no "exploded" cases that should be counted, as all four of those votes were placed by entirely new members.

I'm not discounting these cases as important. However, because there has been one person who is known to be forum-hopping under numerous names in order to make this issue look bigger than it actually is, I want to keep things fair for Marineland.

Of course, even with that help, things aren't looking good for the Stealth Pros, given Petsmart's recent recall of the product.

 

Understood. I actually hadn't found your site prior to this until I did a search yesterday after the recall came out. I've been looking for info on the cichlids I inherited and have found many of the other sites to be weak on info and this one didn't come up in any of those searches. I have joined this site as a result of some helpful info I found while searching it yesterday, so only time will prove my personal credibility in the matter of exploding heaters.

Having said that, I am a strong fan of Marineland. I've used a number of their products over the past 10 years and have been quite pleased. As a result, I was at a loss yesterday having to go back into the store and pick out another brand heater because I haven't had any experience with anyone else. With their long positive history, I suspect when Marineland corrects the issue, their products will be stronger than ever due to the extra quality control and I will be a consumer that will be happy to go back to their products.

I think the issue here would be since there is a true recall on the product, that those with the heaters in the specified group be responsible tank owners and take that under advisement rather than risk their tank or fish. What is not clear from the data so far is how long it would take for a faulty heater to exhibit symptoms. The first one I had exhibited symptoms after 2 weeks; the one I turned back in yesterday was fine and perfectly on temp the entire 3 months I had it so would it have ever had problems? I won't know. But rather than risk my tank again, I am happy Marineland came forward with the recall and offered me the chance to protect my tank.

Conversely, if I had not had the experience myself and the recall came out with no other reports of larger problems, I probably would not have taken the heater back, assuming mine was perfectly fine. Had I not had any problems, but read about the potential for disaster from multiple sources, I would have traded mine in and waited for the corrected ones to come back out on the market.

It is true though. You never know what you are going to get on the internet so we all have to take it with a grain of salt.

Respectfully,

Angela

 

It is true though. You never know what you are going to get on the internet so we all have to take it with a grain of salt.

Yeah. I wish it wasn't the case. It's not like this is the first time we've had issues like this, or that we are the first or only forum to have them. Some people, when they decide that they have been wronged, feel that they need to do as much harm to the one who seemingly wronged them. The internet is a great way to spread stories out of proportion.

 

I'm an "exploder" so I'll answer your question...I'm actually a paranoid freak about working in my tank with stuff plugged in. I turn everything off except the light when I'm working on a full clean (vacuuming the bottom, large water change, scrubbing the side, changing the filters, etc.). I've owned 3 different large aquariums (50, 55 and 75) for the past 10 years and this is the first time I've ever had anything bizzarro like that happen with a tank.

The reason I originally asked this question was because I believe some people use the auto shutoff safety feature the wrong way. Some people think it was designed to leave the heater powered up and to shut itself off during water changes. This is a back up feature and isn't intended to be used under normal circumstances. I just wondered if some "exploders" happened because the heater was used in this manner. In other words the heater failed after being left on and shut itself down after being overheated. Then after many times of this happening the heater finally exploded.

I do the same as you about shutting everything off. And I actually have all my filters, pumps, and heaters on the same switch so everything gets shut off together.

 

would just like to say that I called united pet group to have them change my heater out and they did everything I could ask for.

 

Rec'd an email from Foster & Smith today:

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:
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

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

 

^
So is this for specific lot numbers or all of the new style Stealth Pros?

 

I called Marineland and talked to one of their customer service reps...they said that there is NO recall. They said that Marineland has issued a "sales stop" order, but that there is NO recall. I did get an email from Dr. FosterSmith (where I got 1 of my 2 heaters) stating that they will exchange it for me. I called PetMountain, where I bought the other heater, and they said that there is no recall, and if I am having a problem with the heater, to call the manufacturer. I will keep that in mind the next time I am going to place an order with PetMountain.

 

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.

 

When I called united pet group. they sent me the new heater with a pick up call to the carrier to get the old one. never need to not have a heater.

 

^
So is this for specific lot numbers or all of the new style Stealth Pros?

True...my letter does not say recall, it says "voluntary withdrawal". When I went to take mine back in, they had pulled them all off the shelves in that wattage -- not just a particular lot number. I didn't have my box with me anymore (it was 3 months old), but they had a list of sku numbers on a sheet they were using to issue the refunds in the cash registers. Here's the letter I rec'd and it doesn't address lot numbers:

February 11, 2011

Dear Valued 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.

At PetSmart, we are concerned pet parents, too. We will continue to do everything we can to help you and your pet during this time.

Sincerely,

Debbie Gonzalez
Vice President, Brand and Customer Marketing

 

^

Thanks. I got mine at Petsmart and I'm gonna return it just in case.

Here is the Petsmart letter. Printing this and taking it with might help.

 

Mine is set at 80, but it holds the temperature completely steady at 78, and this is in a 10 gallon. There has been a variance of more than a degree. Note that the temperature inaccuracy could be because I turned it on immediately after dropping it in the tank and didn't give a chance to calibrate properly.

 

I voted previously that mine worked perfect, and continued too until I returned it for the recall today. I swapped it for an Aqueon Pro.

 

I use a 300W on my 90g and it worked great for about three months until it stopped heating one day. I removed it and noticed that the top control part had come loose from the housing.

I contacted marineland and they sent me a new one.

I now use a Top Fin, (Cheapest replacement at the time.) 300W and the Stealth in the 90 just in case one fails.

Will be keeping an eye on it from now on though.

And I agree that the rena smartheaters are great.

 

Okay so it's been over a month since I've called marineland for a replacement, and they haven't delivered. I also asked for the supposedly "inferior" vistherm instead of a replacement stealth pro. Pretty ticked off. I just went ahead and bought a Hagen heater instead. Until they deliver the replacement, I will never buy a marineland heater ever again

 

I just stumbled across this post, since I am a newbie, and even though the last entry was 11/10, thought I would toss in my 2 cents. I had two of the Stealth Pro Heaters. They both overheated and I, too, was told to send them back to the Company. They would honor the guarantee but I would have to pay shipping and the fee, I believe it was $10 each. I asked what I was supposed to heat my tanks with during the 3 weeks the representative said it would take and, of course, that meant buying two new heaters. The non-working heaters are still in their box, with sales receipt included, however, since I had to purchase new heaters, I am reluctant to send them to the company to be calibrated, fixed, or to receive a new heater. Why would I ever trust that brand again? The same goes for 2 Rena and 2 Thor Hydol heaters I have sitting in their boxes. Some broke, some quit heating, and some overheated and last, but not least, in order to keep the two in my smaller tanks at 79 degrees, the thermostat is turned to 71 degrees. I always unplug the heaters while I am getting the tanks ready to clean--while I am drawing water, removing ornaments, etc., and set my timer to turn them back on 15 minutes after the water change. It hasn't made any difference in how the heaters work, or not.

I bought two expensive heaters for my bigger tanks and they are working very well. Eventually, I will replace the two badly calibrated heaters with the more expensive type. Since they are keeping the tanks at 79 degrees, I am not so worried about having them set for 71 as long as they don't quit or overheat. If that happens, I will make the investment. They are in my Quarantine and Hospital tanks that are not used that often.

 

I have a 10w minI that is heading back to United Pet Group for replacement as soon as I bother to mail it. It doesn't shut off. It literally heated the tank to 86 degrees one time. It may have been even higher, but that's the limit of my thermometer. It is supposed to maintain 78 degrees. Thankfully, it is warm enough right now that my betta is ok without a heater.

 

3 weeks ago my daughter's 75w stealth heater crapped out and we woke up in the morning to a 98 degree tank. Needless to say, we lost all 6 fish, and all 6 fry that were in the tank. The was NOT the Pro model, but the original stealth. I took it to Petsmart, and they readily exchanged it for me, no questions asked.

 

3 weeks ago my daughter's 75w stealth heater crapped out and we woke up in the morning to a 98 degree tank. Needless to say, we lost all 6 fish, and all 6 fry that were in the tank. The was NOT the Pro model, but the original stealth. I took it to Petsmart, and they readily exchanged it for me, no questions asked.

I'm sorry about your fish
I lost all my cories the same way.

Did they exchange it for another stealth?
Both the origianl stealths and the pros have been recalled.

Hopefully you got another brand.
Sounds like the customer service is great at your petsmart

 

Lucy,

They gave me an Aqueon Pro. They only had a 50w, so I took that. I'll have to pick up a 75w by the time winter rolls around...we keep the upstairs cool during the daytime. I have Marineland Stealth Pros on my 38 gallon and on my other daughters 10 gallon. I need to just bite the bullet and go exchange those also. They have been perfect so far, so I didn't want to mess with them.

 

I closed the poll. As Marineland has issued a recall, the poll has become kind of a moot point.