Buddy seems sick

[TySAAAN]

I have no idea what is wrong with my little buddy. I've fed him, heated his tank a little bit more than usual, and yet he still seems sick.

He has been struggling to stay afloat, and can't stay horizontal for long. He flutters his fins and when he stops he starts sinking to the bottom of the tank. I'm very worried because he might get tired and lose energy to swim to the top and take a breath. He also has a plant that he props his fins on and stays in a spot to stay up. He is also very inactive, almost frozen-like except when I go and observe him, then he thinks I'm feeding him and goes to the top.

Can anyone help me? :(

[stuntman2946]

how old is he and what size is his tank?

[Myates]

Sounds like an issue with his swim bladder.. best treatment right now for him would be the gentle/safe Epsom Salt treatment..

Start out with 2 teaspoons of Epsom Salt per gallon (plain - no dye/fragrance, can be purchased at most pharmacies including the one at Walmart -over the counter), make sure to dissolve it first before adding it with him.. I use a coffee mug with a little hot water + drop of conditioner and stir continuously until it is dissolved.

Unsure the size of the tank.. filter, etc.. so will recommend doing this in a hospital tank.
Can use a gallon water jug to hold the salt mix + water conditioner in to make changes a bit easier/quicker.

Water level lowered so it will be easier for him to go up for air..

All in all treatment is -
2 tsp of Epsom Salt per gallon, daily 100% water change + Epsom + conditioner each time - continue until he is better.. can take up to 8 days to "fix" SBD (swim bladder disorder), but if it takes longer let us know.. Epsom is gentle enough they can stay in it indefinitely. Also safe for live plants.