According to the recall, a conductor on the pump motor can become exposed and electrify the aquarium water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

This recall involves five models of Top Fin Power Filters. The models included in this recall are Top Fin Power Filters 10, 20, 30, 40 and 75.  The filters are black with a trapezoid shaped top.  The words “TOP FIN” are molded into the top of the filter.  The filters were also sold as part of Top Fin 5.5 and 10 gallon LED aquarium kits.  About 155,000 filters (in addition, about 3,300 filters were sold in Canada) are affected by this recall.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled filters, unplug them from the power supply, remove from the aquarium, and contact United Pet Group for a free replacement power filter.    To contact United Pet Group, call 800-338-4896 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit online at www.unitedpetgroup.com and click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

Note: PetSmart had previously issued a voluntary recall of the Top Fin Power Filters back in December, 2015.  Now, United Pet Group is issuing their own recall through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.  This is the second time within the past 12 months United Pet Group has had to recall Top Fin products due to safety/electrocution concerns (the other recall being Top Fin’s submersible plastic heaters).