unfortunate gourami

Question
hi,

this gourami is very unlucky. he now seems to be developing fin rot. it is advancing quickly, and i think he is stressed from being the starter fish and from his other problems. i want to medicate, but i am scared that any antibiotic will obliderate my developing nyrogen cycle by killing off beneficial bacteria. i herd aquarium salts can help, but i dont want to use it when he is constipated, as you said this will have adverse effects. his scales are still kinda pineconed, and some of his scales look loose, like they are about to fall off. other than that he still seems ok, and is not bloated, which would indicate dropsy i think. im am confused and frustrated with this little guy. i dont know what i need to do.

Answer
Hi Mike,
I'm sorry to read this, but it's not the little man's fault, nor is it yours.  I know we do not get very good advice when starting a new tank, and many big mistakes are made.
You did not mention if you have ammonia, or nitrite in your water, and how high they are.  If you have little ammonia, you can medicate, but since you have waited such a long time to cure this fish, I think there is little hope.  Fish must be treated very quickly for them to recover.  Fungus eats away at fish very fast, so if your ammonia level is high, or nitrites are high, the kindest thing you can do right now is put him to sleep, so that he will not suffer.  Using fish to cycle a tank is never a good idea.  I am totally against this method.  The best method is to buy a used sponge that fits your filter, squeeze out the access water, and put it into your filter letting it run until your water chemistry is right.  A sponge is good for a very long time, until it is old, ragged, and falling apart. To keep the good bacteria in your tank, always rinse your sponge in water that you have removed from your tank, and never under tap water when cleaning your filter.  This is so you do not kill the good bacteria in your sponge.  You could also ask your pet store manager for a handful of gravel from one of their established tanks.  This, and a used sponge would greatly help establish your tank.  It takes time, and you must be patient.  When your tank is cycled, add one fish, and wait one week, check your water for ammonia, and nitrites again, and if your water is right, do a 25% water change, and add two fish, wait one week, check again, and so on.  Never add too many fish at once, as your water chemistry would change causing death to all of your fish.  It is very important to have these test kits on hand, as you will need them often.  You can find them at Walmart, or the Pet store.  They should be number one in your fish cabinet.  
All you can do now, is check to see if your water is right, and if it is, try to cure him, if not, then do the kindest thing possible.
Lynda