Stop! Why Roadside Catappa Leaves Are Silent Killers

POSTED ON NOV 10, 2025 | TOPIC: AQUARIUM SAFETY

Dirty Catappa leaves on a busy polluted street

We have all been there. You are driving home, and you spot a beautiful, large Ketapang (Indian Almond) tree on the side of the road. The ground is covered in dry brown leaves. You think, "Why pay for leaves when I can grab these for free?"

It seems like a smart move, but for your sensitive shrimp and prized Betta fish, this decision can be fatal. Here is why "free" leaves often come with a high price.

1. The Invisible Killer: Pesticides & Fogging

In many tropical regions (including Indonesia), local councils regularly perform "fogging" to control mosquitoes and prevent Dengue fever. These clouds of chemicals settle on everything including the trees lining the streets.

The Risk: These chemicals are designed to kill insects. Shrimp and crustaceans are biologically similar to insects. One fogged leaf is enough to wipe out an entire colony of expensive Caridina shrimp in hours. You cannot wash these chemicals off easily.

2. Heavy Metals from Exhaust Fumes

Trees planted near busy roads act as natural air filters. They absorb carbon monoxide, lead, and oils from car exhausts. These pollutants settle as a fine, sticky dust on the surface of the leaves.

                    What happens in your tank?
                    When you put the leaf in water, these heavy metals leach out.
Over time, they accumulate in your fish's internal organs.
This leads to mysterious deaths, lethargy, or loss of color weeks later.

                

3. Pathogens and Parasites

Roadside leaves are exposed to bird droppings, stray cats, rats, and wild lizards. These animals can carry bacteria (like Salmonella) or parasites that are transferable to your aquarium ecosystem. Without proper sterilization and heat treatment, you are introducing a biological time bomb into your water.

The Aloka Difference: Safety First

At PT Aloka Cipta Mandiri, we don't just pick leaves; we cultivate safety.

Sourcing: We harvest from trees located deep in rural plantations, far from city traffic and industrial pollution.
Washing: Every leaf is manually washed to remove physical dirt and eggs.
Heat Curing: We sun-dry and heat-treat our leaves to ensure they are crisp, flat, and free of moisture or mold spores.

Don't risk your expensive livestock to save a few cents. Choose clean, processed botanicals.

Buy Safe, Clean Leaves Here →