Authorities in Singapore have voiced their concerns over an increase in fires caused by aquarium water pumps.
According to The Straits Times, there have been 26 aquarium fires in Singapore this year. All have been caused by cheap pumps which sit above the water level, often within the hood of the aquarium. Most of the pumps are imports from China.
Unlike powerheads and submerged aquarium pumps, pumps situated above the water level can overheat when they block, because no water can pass through them to cool the pump down.
Speaking to The Straits Times, fishkeeper Mr Wong said: 'I ended up paying a few thousand dollars to repair my burnt home. Having a cheap pump is not worth it.'