betta fish with possible bacterial infection.

Question
Hi, so i think i emailed you yesterday but i have new updated info to give you. So here is the issue. I have a betta, he has a patch over his left gill where the scales are raised. Other than this issue, he is normal, eating fine, having regular bowel movements, swimming fine, looks fine. He is in a 10 gallon filtered, heated aquarium. The tank has only been set up for 5 weeks, and has had a bacterial bloom, the water was cloudy for about two weeks, i did another 30 percent water change yesterday and the water seems to be clear now. No ammonia issues but the ph is a bit high. I believe he might have a bacteral infection. He is not bloated or constipated by the way. He has had this single patch of raised scales for three days. I was wondering if i should give him medicated food? Or how many days should i wait to see if it goes away by itself before medicating? I hope this info helps you to answer my question. Thanks. if you emailed me () i could send you a picture of my bettta.

Answer
Hi Jacqueline,
  I am not clear as to why you think he has a bacterial infection?  The fact that the water was cloudy due to a bacterial bloom is not a good reason to suspect that that is the cause of a few raised scales.  Personally, I would not medicate him.  Fish medications can cause many more problems than they solve unless you know exactly what you are treating.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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