BEWARE!! Marineland Stealth Pro Heater

[mlov1022]

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/103155-beware-marineland-stealth-pro-heater.html

[Eddie]

Wow, thats crazy! Sticking on, not heating, cracked but thats the first I've seen about a heater exploding and breaking the glass on a tank. Thats insane!

Thanks for sharing!

Eddie

[rich_one]

Wow... this has been my favorite heater... especially the redesigned one, since you can not tell when the thing is actually on.

first Toyota... now Marineland... man... can't trust ANYTHING anymore!

-Rich

[whitedevil]

I use ugf uplift tubes with vented caps on it to house my heaters in, back in 1987 I had a heater, unsure of make blow my 50g corner tanks back corner part out. Lost my RTS but saved the cichlids I remember.

[underwaterforest]

Yep I just had that happen with me yesterday with a brand new one, luckily not the tank breaking part though. I will ALWAYS unplug all my heaters when I change water, don't rely on the heater gimmicks since a tank loss can be pretty costly.

[roundfishross]

I bought 15 of these 4 mos ago and have already had 6 go bad and sent them all back to drs f&s three of wich exploded!!!!!!:mad::mad:

[mlov1022]

I bought 15 of these 4 mos ago and have already had 6 go bad and sent them all back to drs f&s three of wich exploded!!!!!!:mad::mad:I just put 1 in my 55g. Time to yank it out of there and order some Jagers from Ken's.

[underwaterforest]

So far the new models (pro) variety have been working fine for me other than the shut off function not working, I haven't had any stuck on/off like the previous model. I hope they fix this problem someday since I own 10 of them. I too have replaced about 6 of them in the last 6 months. My local LFS just swaps me for another one, no hassles.

[roundfishross]

i have got three of the original model without the indicator light they are all at least 5 yrs old and have never missed a beat. m lands intention on the redesign was well intended, the old design had an aluminum core and were weak and inefficient. not to mention you couldnt tell if it was on. so on the redesign they tried to cheaply mimic the 1,000 watt titanium emersion heaters that run on their commercial mars units. Its got an epoxy fill that really retains heat . i run one on my show tank at home - this heater will literally continue to put out heat for over an hour after being completly cooled under the tap and left to sit in the sink unplugged,and iam not talking a little warm either were talking water sizzling hott!!!! I tink the epoxy expands too much for the plastic housing on the hobby heaters and this is causing them to explode!!!

[rich_one]

Well, I will stay away... course, now I need to figure out which heater I will buy for my 125 gallon...

[dbfzurowski]

I've been using Marineland for years with no problems. Its a heater, if its ON and then you take it out of water its going to get super hot! Its simple.
Its designed to dissipate heat under water not when airborne. This applies to any heater.

[mlov1022]

Well, I will stay away... course, now I need to figure out which heater I will buy for my 125 gallon...http://www.kensfish.com/jagerheaters.html just ordered 2. Seems to be a favorite here.

[gwrace]

If you read through this entire 8 or or so pages of posts you will see that Marineland stood behind their product. They agreed to pay for floor damage and replace broken tank and lost live stock. Seems to be an unusual occurrence these days. They will continue to get my business. I have 6 of the Visi-Therm heaters running and none have given me any problems. The problems also appeared to be associated with only the Pro Stealth model line.

[underwaterforest]

I agree with you gwrace. I know it is counter intuitive but I rather have mostly good product with excellent customer service rather than an excellent product with so so customer service. Good customer service is something that seems to be forgotten lately for some strange reason.

[rich_one]

I've been using Marineland for years with no problems. Its a heater, if its ON and then you take it out of water its going to get super hot! Its simple.
Its designed to dissipate heat under water not when airborne. This applies to any heater.

while you are correct, it should be noted that its a heater that claims to auto-shut off when exposed to air, and then turn back on when submersed back in water... so, if it is making that claim, it should operate that way. just saying.

-Rich

[rich_one]

while I can appreciate their willingness to pay for any damage, I would just as soon wait until they confirm the have fixed the problem. the very last thing I would ever need to happen is my 125 gallon discus tank cracking due to a heater explosion... especially if I knew about that little problem before buying the heater.

[diamond_discus]

Well, I purchased about 15 Stealth heaters (different size) from DrFosterSmith the past few years .... Half of them went bad and I sent them back to Marineland for replacement. If you return the old stealth, they will ship you back the new pro model ... And you know what ? I have some of the smaller one shipped back to me ... In less than 2 weeks, that thing doesn't work more .. I used that in a hospital tank ... The light stays on green and the heater won't heat up ... I didn't notice that until I saw the fish being so inactive ... I touched the water and felt that it's stone cold .. Well, at least mine didn't explode ..

Let me tell you something else, for my other couple old stealth heater (that I use for storage barrel) .. these seems to leak electricity .. When I touch the water, I felt some shock .. that scare the heck out of me .. I am going to return them, along with the bad stealth pro ..

I am only using Jagar for my main tanks ..

[roundfishross]

If you read through this entire 8 or or so pages of posts you will see that Marineland stood behind their product. They agreed to pay for floor damage and replace broken tank and lost live stock. Seems to be an unusual occurrence these days. They will continue to get my business. I have 6 of the Visi-Therm heaters running and none have given me any problems. The problems also appeared to be associated with only the Pro Stealth model line.

yes the old models work fine and marineland is a excellent company they do stand behind their products and they are a great company to work for as well, i have been a tech for them for about two years :D

[90 Gallons of Fun]

I wonder if this is what happened to me about 5 years ago. Do not recall what brand heater this was. But what a mess! Never did figure out what happened to cause this. I picked a great night to sleep on the couch next to the tank. lol

[Darrell Ward]

Any heater can fail, but Jagers are the best ones I've used. Compare a Jager with any other heater side by side. The Jager is heavier in weight, and looks way better made. Heck, the cord is even of a heavier gauge. I don't know why people spend big bucks on tanks of fish, only to risk their safety with cheaply made heaters from some back street in China. Something as important as a heater, I want the highest quality ones I can find.

[Jhhnn]

Any heater can fail, but Jagers are the best ones I've used. Compare a Jager with any other heater side by side. The Jager is heavier in weight, and looks way better made. Heck, the cord is even of a heavier gauge. I don't know why people spend big bucks on tanks of fish, only to risk their safety with cheaply made heaters from some back street in China. Something as important as a heater, I want the highest quality ones I can find.

I'm with you. Once calibrated, my blue Jagers just work.
They've been the standard to which everybody else aspires for 30 years or more, and the price is right from Kensfish, so why fool around?

Even if Marineland's warranty and customer service are great, so what? With the Jagers, it doesn't matter, because you probably won't need either one...

[mlov1022]

Any heater can fail, but Jagers are the best ones I've used. Compare a Jager with any other heater side by side. The Jager is heavier in weight, and looks way better made. Heck, the cord is even of a heavier gauge. Good to hear, I have 2 on the way from Ken's. I'm really sick and tired of heaters not working properly. Hydor Theo's stink, they work for a few months or less then have a mind of their own. Stealth's hit or miss, had a few that worked and others, the casing bubbled and cracked. I even tried Finnex titanium w/controller and 1 started to malfunction, had it set at 83, tank water at 91. The controller stuck.

[underwaterforest]

I'm with you. Once calibrated, my blue Jagers just work.
They've been the standard to which everybody else aspires for 30 years or more, and the price is right from Kensfish, so why fool around?

Even if Marineland's warranty and customer service are great, so what? With the Jagers, it doesn't matter, because you probably won't need either one...

Probably becuase replacing all my heaters with jagers will cost hundreds of dollars for me, and right now the stealths are keeping the temps prefect on my tanks (plus nobody locally carries them, and I like to shop local when I can). Would have loved to get jagers to start with but I have to work with what I have, money don't grow on trees. Just my .02.

Alex

[rich_one]

anyone using the jager on a 6 foot long, 125 gallon? I am curious how many you are using, and what wattage... thanks.

-Rich

[gwrace]

Any heater can fail, but Jagers are the best ones I've used. Compare a Jager with any other heater side by side. The Jager is heavier in weight, and looks way better made. Heck, the cord is even of a heavier gauge. I don't know why people spend big bucks on tanks of fish, only to risk their safety with cheaply made heaters from some back street in China. Something as important as a heater, I want the highest quality ones I can find.

If you check out the forums there have been problems with Jager heaters to. You can also find Jager heaters sometimes priced below the Marineland models. Anything electrical will eventually fail. It's only a matter of time.

[rich_one]

If you check out the forums there have been problems with Jager heaters to. You can also find Jager heaters sometimes priced below the Marineland models. Anything electrical will eventually fail. It's only a matter of time.

agreed... but failing is one thing... exploding... that's another entirely! :D

[underwaterforest]

Just unplug the heater when changing the water, you will have to do the same thing with the jagers or else they too will crack. Exploding seems to be due to the expanding epoxy core like said previously. As long as you unplug or put it on a switchable power strip you should be fine. Mine just smoked a little and cracked the outside case, but I caught it before it was on too long.

[Darrell Ward]

anyone using the jager on a 6 foot long, 125 gallon? I am curious how many you are using, and what wattage... thanks.

-Rich

I have 2-250 models on a 150 gal. tank. They work great on it. I don't see why that set-up would not great on a 125 as well.

[Darrell Ward]

Just unplug the heater when changing the water, you will have to do the same thing with the jagers or else they too will crack. Exploding seems to be due to the expanding epoxy core like said previously. As long as you unplug or put it on a switchable power strip you should be fine. Mine just smoked a little and cracked the outside case, but I caught it before it was on too long.

Unplugging the heaters is the first thing I do before water changes. IMO, leaving them plugged in is risky, and foolish. If the heater gets exposed to air while running, then contacts water, it could be a recipe for disaster.

[rich_one]

Just unplug the heater when changing the water, you will have to do the same thing with the jagers or else they too will crack. Exploding seems to be due to the expanding epoxy core like said previously. As long as you unplug or put it on a switchable power strip you should be fine. Mine just smoked a little and cracked the outside case, but I caught it before it was on too long.

I gotcha... fact is, this is best practice anyway... sad thing is, people will trust what the Stealth claims, as far as the auto shut off feature.

but point definitely taken. I admit I am torn about this now... but certainly a good point.

-Rich

[rich_one]

I have 2-250 models on a 150 gal. tank. They work great on it. I don't see why that set-up would not great on a 125 as well.
and do you have both set at the desired temp? say, both set to 86 degrees?

I've never had a tank this size, and have never used two heaters... so just want to make sure I set it right, and don't cook the fish! LOL... thanks.

-Rich

[mlov1022]

Why Can't people just mount the heater horizontally below the w/c line? :confused:

[Darrell Ward]

and do you have both set at the desired temp? say, both set to 86 degrees?



I've never had a tank this size, and have never used two heaters... so just want to make sure I set it right, and don't cook the fish! LOL... thanks.

-Rich
Yes, I have both set to the desired temp., with a heater at each end of the tank.
Should be fine.


Why Can't people just mount the heater horizontally below the w/c line? :confused:

I have some mounted this way. On my 30" deep tanks, I tend to mount them vertically because I can reach them to adjust temp. easier with my short arms. :D

[rich_one]

Why Can't people just mount the heater horizontally below the w/c line? :confused:

I do tend to do this... I am just worried sick about this thing exploding and damaging the tank... LOL... but I guess the fact is, I am not doing the act which is causing the exploding...

I'm paranoid... guess that's why I am a good IT professional! LOL...

-Rich

[underwaterforest]

I have some mounted this way. On my 30" deep tanks, I tend to mount them vertically because I can reach them to adjust temp. easier with my short arms. :D

I have pretty long arms (I'm 6'1 tall) but I too can't reach the bottom of my tank it's very deep. I like the idea of putting the heaters horizontal at the bottom but my cords are just too short to do that without a extension cord.

Rich, just put them on the bottom and turn them off at each change and you should be golden. I used to be an IT guy too (Linux Systems Admin), paranoia is a way of life with computers but I got too bored doing the same things everyday, and finding out that most of the programmers just were downloading gigabytes of porn everyday( Imagine telling that to the boss).

[Eddie]

Why Can't people just mount the heater horizontally below the w/c line? :confused:

Even then, its good practice to unplug the heater prior to draining. ;)


Eddie

[diamond_discus]

Even then, its good practice to unplug the heater prior to draining. ;)


Eddie

Agree ...

I mounted my Jagar horizontally .. middle of the tank ... I usually flip off the power strip before each WC ... But that one time I forgot to do so, the heater went so hot that it melt the heater holder ....

[rich_one]

I have pretty long arms (I'm 6'1 tall) but I too can't reach the bottom of my tank it's very deep. I like the idea of putting the heaters horizontal at the bottom but my cords are just too short to do that without a extension cord.

Rich, just put them on the bottom and turn them off at each change and you should be golden. I used to be an IT guy too (Linux Systems Admin), paranoia is a way of life with computers but I got too bored doing the same things everyday, and finding out that most of the programmers just were downloading gigabytes of porn everyday( Imagine telling that to the boss).

so what are you doing these days, if you don't mind me asking? I used to support universities on UNIX systems like, 10 years ago... been a while since I've seen a UNIX based system. I've worked with Linux (Red Hat), HP UX, and Solaris, at one time or another.

dude... I bet that show called Eureka on SyFy gets its highest ratings in your town! LOL...

-Rich

[rich_one]

I unplug mine just because I am paranoid of getting electrocuted! :shocked2: :fried:

[underwaterforest]

so what are you doing these days, if you don't mind me asking? I used to support universities on UNIX systems like, 10 years ago... been a while since I've seen a UNIX based system. I've worked with Linux (Red Hat), HP UX, and Solaris, at one time or another.

dude... I bet that show called Eureka on SyFy gets its highest ratings in your town! LOL...


Been awhile since linux/unix world for me too. I'm not too sure if the Eureka show is popular here, but it is basically modeled after our Victorian town, just replace the geniuses with tweekers and you have a perfect fit.:)

Alex

[alpine]

.......................... Marineland Stealth heaters are just fine , Have the old ones and some new ones. Really like the new type. Marineland's customer service is one of the Best .

Roberto.

[Justice]

anyone using the jager on a 6 foot long, 125 gallon? I am curious how many you are using, and what wattage... thanks.

-RichTwo 250 watt Jagers

[scottishbloke]

Agree ...

I mounted my Jagar horizontally .. middle of the tank ... I usually flip off the power strip before each WC ... But that one time I forgot to do so, the heater went so hot that it melt the heater holder ....

I did this too with one of my Via Aqua glass heaters when i did my first WC with it the day after installation...the holder is fused to it permanently now :o so I am now very careful about switching the power strip off. I used to use the Marineland Stealth heaters, and the auto shut off worked very well for 6 years with no problems, so I just wasn't in the habit of switching heaters off for WCs. Well, one gave me a shock one day, so away they went. When I have some cash available, I will replace the Via Aquas with Jagers for my 90g- the Kensfish price is awesome compared to LFS.

Colin

[Jhhnn]

In addition to Jager heaters, I also use finnex hc-0800 heater controllers from Kensfish. Once the heaters are calibrated, I set 'em to 88-90F, plug 'em into a controller, use that to actually control the tank temp at a lower setting. If the indicated temp on the ATI liquid crystal thermometers were to jump up to 88-90F, I'd know the controller had failed. The controllers are rated for 800W, so a power splitter allows for control of multiple heaters, using cords like these-

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=power+cord+splitters&tag=googhydr-20&index=electronics&hvadid=3503762775&ref=pd_sl_41oypcoglb_b

I'm sure that the Ranco controllers are better, at 3X the money, but the finnex seem to work fine and provide backup against runaway heaters plus easy adjustability. I cooked a tankful ofyoung discus long ago, and don't want to repeat that...

Nobody claimed this would be cheap, and an aquarium system is only as good as the weakest component, which is usually the heater...

[underwaterforest]

Not sure if it is applicable, but I used to use a Ranco controller on my mini- fridge for home brew. The controller was nice with the changeable differential and such, but it only lasted 6 months before it died. As previously said if it is electrical it is always a crap shoot, that is why I like companies with good customer service.

[gwrace]

I use two 150 watt Marineland Visi-Therm heaters in all my 75 gallon tanks. Both placed horizontally near the bottom of the tanks on each side. I replace about 75% of the water weekly and don't bother to turn them off. If your paranoid about getting electrocuted plug them into a GFCI protected power strip or outlet. These are easily obtained at Home Depot or Lowes.

I'm also an IT guy and have been working with computers since 1981.

[underwaterforest]

GFCIs are a very good idea on anthing water related, that is why they are usually a Code requirement in any kitchen socket. I used to install lots of theses in my childhood (father was a contractor), they will eliminate your fears of electrocution. There are even have plug in varieties which you can install without all the wiring effort. I have had a lot of problems with stray electricity in my tanks over the years but they have always been related to those cheap VIA power heads, the cases tend to leak after awhile. Another thing to make you feel a little better, its very hard to electrocute yourself on 120V it just isn't enough amps to kill, 220V can though.

[rich_one]

well, just ordered two of the 250 watt Jagers... indeed, the Ken's Fish price was simply too good to ignore! Now, once I get my filter, it'll be time to score some discus!

-Rich

[underwaterforest]

Ok, Ok I take back everything nice I said about marineland heaters. Today while doing general maintenance I found that I was getting a very mild shock on one of the cuts on my fingers and guess what it was? Yes, it was the brand new heater that I just installed yesterday to replace the other heater that exploded.:mad:

I hope that the jagers are worth all the hype since it will be my next purchase.

[moik]

Any heater will screw up eventually..Tried them all..Marineland stands behind their product which is great,,I have all stealth heaters...I keep a few brand new ones on hand in case one goes down..As soon I get 3-4 bad ones I ship them back for new ones...I have too many heaters to change brands now...Everyone has to think about water levels with any heater...Eventually you screw up and learn the hard way,can't blame the heater... Me and glass heaters never got along anyway...

[Eddie]

Ok, Ok I take back everything nice I said about marineland heaters. Today while doing general maintenance I found that I was getting a very mild shock on one of the cuts on my fingers and guess what it was? Yes, it was the brand new heater that I just installed yesterday to replace the other heater that exploded.:mad:

I hope that the jagers are worth all the hype since it will be my next purchase.

They are, you won't regret it. ;)

[Jhhnn]

Ok, Ok I take back everything nice I said about marineland heaters. Today while doing general maintenance I found that I was getting a very mild shock on one of the cuts on my fingers and guess what it was? Yes, it was the brand new heater that I just installed yesterday to replace the other heater that exploded.:mad:

I hope that the jagers are worth all the hype since it will be my next purchase.

Dunno that "hype" is the right term. My experience with the Jagers is that they just work, do what they're supposed to do. The calibration can be off a little out of the box, but it's adjustable with a little bit of patience and fiddling. Many people, I'm sure, just compensate with the adjustment ring.

Nothing's perfect, of course, but Jager's reputation for quality seems to be well deserved, imo, and I'm confident you'll be pleased with your new purchase.

I suspect that savvy retailers often take a higher markup on Jagers because they know they won't be selling you a replacement anytime RSN... and because of the psychology of it all. Buyers don't usually start with Jagers because they do cost more, and because they don't have much curb appeal- no stealth, no techno-features. Once they've had trouble with other heaters, they're more willing to listen when the retailer says "Here- this'll solve your problem- it's worth the money."

[underwaterforest]

Once they've had trouble with other heaters, they're more willing to listen when the retailer says "Here- this'll solve your problem- it's worth the money."

I wish my LFS retailer carried them, my only choices are stealths or some incredibility cheap looking non-submersible type. I think I'm going to try ken fish out and go with the finnex controller with two 250 watt jagers, like you have going on Jhhnn. It will be nice to be able to go above 86 degrees which is the max for the new pro stealths, plus the temp alarm is a nice feature on the finnex. I was willing to deal with some problems with the stealths if they worked, but the problems I have been having are a definite deal breaker.

[Jhhnn]

I'm actually using the less expensive ($22) dial type HC-0800 controllers. So far, so good.

Kensfish= top shelf in my experience. No regrets there, and I doubt you'll have any, either.

Eureka isn't very big, is it? Obviously very beautiful around there, any rainy, too, I suspect. Smaller towns are nice, I'm sure, in many ways, except sometimes when it comes to being able to find what you want locally...

[underwaterforest]

I'm actually using the less expensive ($22) dial type HC-0800 controllers. So far, so good.

Kensfish= top shelf in my experience. No regrets there, and I doubt you'll have any, either.

Eureka isn't very big, is it? Obviously very beautiful around there, any rainy, too, I suspect. Smaller towns are nice, I'm sure, in many ways, except sometimes when it comes to being able to find what you want locally...

I found a shop in a nearby city that had some jager ebos in stock and bought the last two 250 watts. Can't wait to try them out with all the good things people are saying about them. I also decided to just try the heaters stand alone, after reading lots of negative feedback about the finnex controllers online.

Eureka is a big city for the area, but a small city compared to most of urban sprawl America. Yes, it is very rainy here, but it seems that each winter has become less rainy than the last, I guess global warming is good in some ways. I've always been a small town boy at heart I just don't really see the appeal of big cities other than the work. I always liked Colorado though and wouldn't mind having a city in that beautiful mountainous region.

[Jhhnn]

Where are you picking up the negative feedback about the finnex? Just curious...

[underwaterforest]

Where are you picking up the negative feedback about the finnex? Just curious...

I just did a general search on their controller and found lots of negative info here a sampling of just some of the stuff which made me worry a little.

http://www.pnwmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9643&page=2
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1476552
http://www.reefstewardshipfoundation.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2037
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1188017
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f14/setting-up-new-180-gal-89918.html
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1546592
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/22334-finnex-heater-died.html
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/53840-reviews-finnex-controller-heater.html
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1053364&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[scottishbloke]

If your paranoid about getting electrocuted plug them into a GFCI protected power strip or outlet.

Well, I have several GFCI strips that came with the cabinet for my 90g and one of them blew today. I plugged a GE timer into it for my T5HO light fixture, and when I plugged the light into the timer there was a bright flash and a loud pop, then a flare of yellow flame and the stench of burning plastic! After unplugging the strip, both it and the timer were scorched black and partly melted. Thankfully, the light fixture, the Koralia powerhead, and my brand-new Eheim Pro 3 2075 that were attached to the power strip were undamaged, though the fireworks display did give me quite a scare. The total power consumption of all 3 pieces of equipment was around 75 watts, not exactly a huge draw by normal standards. Add to this the Marineland Stealth heater giving me a shock not too long ago, I am getting a little paranoid now regarding the water + electricity combo in this hobby. Maybe I should just get it over with now by wrapping a copper wire coil around my wet hand and sticking the end of it into an outlet, lol :p

Colin

[allan_mark76]

These heaters SUCK ! ! !

I ended up sending mine back for new ones and sold the new ones.

Buyers BEWARE ! ! !

~AKA~

[bayboy1205]

I have had two stealth heaters that leaked electricity into the tank ( measured with a digital mutltimeter after feeling like I was getting shocked). The third one blew up ruining 60 gallons of RO/DI water. I wish I would have taken pictures of the heater, but I was so upset I just throw it away. Thankfully it was no longer in the 125G tank. Currently using two of the Fluval E series heaters. Yes they are expensive, but so far like how they operate.

[diamond_discus]

All these "explosion" cases are beginning to make me nervous ... :o

I also felt some electric shock from a few of my Stealth ... I put them aside since then. I thought I was the only one and perhaps my skin was too sensitive ... Now that I hear you guys have similar problem, I am going to return those for replacement then.

Anyone having problem with the new pro version ?

[rich_one]

All these "explosion" cases are beginning to make me nervous ... :o

I also felt some electric shock from a few of my Stealth ... I put them aside since then. I thought I was the only one and perhaps my skin was too sensitive ... Now that I hear you guys have similar problem, I am going to return those for replacement then.

Anyone having problem with the new pro version ?

Unfortunately, I think the new pro version is where this discussion started... (check the title). Looks like Marineland may need to take a look at these heaters, and get some work done... otherwise, they are going to lose a lot of sales, as this issue spreads from forum to forum...

-Rich

[JEB]

I have mine plugged into a strip and when I tried turning the knob to reset the temperature, I received a mild shock so I threw it out. It happened twice with 2 seperate stealth heaters. Both were more than 1 year old. By the way one seemed to have a bad thermostat and was running full out despite trying to lower the adjustment knob.

[PamC]

Not to add to the craziness, but it does seem to be limited to a few model numbers. Here is a thread of a gentleman I know that had a heater explode in his fish room. Interesting responses from the company.

http://www.kcfishclub.org/top-forum/13-haas-misc-discussion/27647-exploding-marineland-stealth-pro-heaters.html

[allan_mark76]

These heaters are total CRAP! ! ! I pulled all the heaters from my tanks as they are a ticking time bomb. Buyers BEWARE ! ! !

~AKA~

[snowflake311]

I know this is kind of an old post. I bought 2 of these heaters first one came apart and stoped working it was a little crack at the top after 10 hours in the tank. I got another and I heard it blow up in my tank about 12hr after being in. Luck for me it's was a small heater so it did not mess my glass up but some how cracked my HOB filter I silliconed it up.

So yeah I had 2 of these thing blow up very scary but petco was awesome about getting me my money back. They better have a recall on these things. So crazy. My old ! Marineland Stealth heaters have been going for years no problem. It's just thus new one with the little light up switch.

[mmorris]

I'm now returning the heaters they sent as replacements! The USPS makes a large padded envelope with Micky Mouse on it. :D

[Jhhnn]

I'm now returning the heaters they sent as replacements! The USPS makes a large padded envelope with Micky Mouse on it. :D

That's sad. sorry to read it. the more I see, the more I'm convinced that the few extra bucks spent on Eheim Jagers is money well spent... they just work, which is all I care about.

[Willie]

After a brand new Pro Health blew up in my 58 gal Oceanic, and took out half a dozen cories, I replaced all of them.

Life's too short... Willie

[alpine]

Could the persons that have had problems check the numbers that seem to be affected and have "exploded' 01H31 (serial ) . Just as the previous poster stipulated Marineland advised him to check since those are the affected problem heaters .
Roberto.

[bob70]

I am usung RENACal for 8 years and one Eheim for two years. Both are excellent has adjusting temp on eheim is difficult. Their Recalibration thing add only complication. RENA excellent,simple and reliable. Has anyony tried Prodac Magictherm brand?

[mmorris]

Could the persons that have had problems check the numbers that seem to be affected and have "exploded' 01H31 (serial ) . .

Neither of the ones that 'blew' on me had the same numbers as those posted.

[kaffeene]

I had one of these in my tank, it worked great and my fish loved to hang around it. Problem is, we had it from May- 3 days ago. It stopped working. No clue why. Its the second one of these thats gone kaput for me. Not using ever again. Company won't replace.

[snowflake311]

Sorry I never got the Number of mine. I was too pissed off that 2 of these heaters Broke in less then 11 hours after being in my tank. This was 3 months ago when I tried this heater. Oh and they smell so bad when they break. I sent a e-mail to the company and never heard back from them. It's really too bad.

Just don't buy them. It's not worth it.

[slapnutz]

I just had the heater in my 75g crack open. It also falls in the lot number 01H31.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b11/evofan12/Fish/IMGP0532.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b11/evofan12/Fish/IMGP0531.jpg

[rich_one]

don't know if this is a new development or not... but mine did something new to me, anyway. it cooked my fish! that's right.

I'm standing near the tank, trying to figure out where I am feeling radiant heat coming from, when I put my hand on the tank. WOA! it was HOT!

needless to say, I unplugged the heater, but the damage was already done.

I'll never buy this heater again.

-Rich

[Eddie]

don't know if this is a new development or not... but mine did something new to me, anyway. it cooked my fish! that's right.

I'm standing near the tank, trying to figure out where I am feeling radiant heat coming from, when I put my hand on the tank. WOA! it was HOT!

needless to say, I unplugged the heater, but the damage was already done.

I'll never buy this heater again.

-Rich

Sorry to hear buddy, I'd contact the company and let them know what happened. Replacing just the heater won't jive in this case.

Take care,

Eddie

[cooksa]

I just had my first experience with these new model Marineland Stealth heaters. Thankfully it exploded in my aging barrel instead of one of the tanks. Dumping only about 13gal of water on the floor. I immediately unplugged the other new one I bought. I certainly don't want a replacement after reading this thread.

I'll have to look into either these Jaegers or some kind of tiny canister filter for my little tank that I can stick a tiny inline heater on. :D

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x144/fozzie04/Fishies/IMG_0965.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x144/fozzie04/Fishies/IMG_0962.jpg

[goodoo]

Id like to see Stilllearning take a bath with one of these heaters.

[JaVia]

I agree this is a crazy thing, but I am sure it can happen with anything!
I am so happy to read that marineland stands behind their products 100%. They covered all his fish, the tank, and repairing his home, WOW. I am impressed that they are so willing to correct such a horrific accident. I am happy to hear that because I have three marineland heaters!

[Willie]

I agree this is a crazy thing, but I am sure it can happen with anything!....I am happy to hear that because I have three marineland heaters!

Actually, it cannot happen with anything. I've had this happen only with their Pro Stealth models personally and I've only read of this model blowing up. After it happened, I took them out of all my breeding and grow out tanks and replaced them.

Willie

[LizStreithorst]

I have a ton of these. I have found them to be not as relaible as I would like, so little by little I'm replacing them with Ebo's. I will likely always have them in my plastic WS containers, though.