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He will swim down and then float right back up to the top.  He has a big lump (looks like a big bubble in his stomach) in the middle of his body.
He is still eating and seems to be generally healthy aside from the lump.  All my water parameters are good. 

What can I do to help him?


Thanks in advance.

Sounds like he has swim bladder problems. OR a tumor and that can not be treated.. YOU can try sulfur meds AND I DO RECOMMEND A DIFFERENT TANK!!

I want you to know that all the meds I read on says more of a sulfur ingredient is best. but this is the only MED that came up on my search, but NOT the only med you can use..

Meds to use here:

link


NOW on the sulfur meds, you can try these:
Milder verson:

link

MORE potent one as it has more MG for each than the above one, but same meds:

link

YOU should be able to get these at your local fish store.. BUT USE ONLY ONE!! AND really clean this tank if you are going to have to med him in it.. TAKE OUT ALL CARBON FROM THE FILTER!!

I would however, get another tank so you dont' mess with the bio in your main tank.. It cost more to med in a big tank.. A 15-20 gal is a good size for a med tank with a JD.. All you need is a hood/ligh? filter, heater, some gravel scattered on the bottom, NOT MUCH!! And a place for them to hide in.. A NEW clay flower pot is cheap and works great.. Use the main tank water the first time..

FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE MEDS !! Water changes with FRESH DECHLORED WATER IS A MUST!! 

Thanks so much for the information and suggestions.
I already have an med tank, and my water comes from a well so no problems with chlorination.

Thanks again, I'm going to get right on it.

Even if your water comes from a well, I would still do regular tests on the water as you would do for tanks, I use Scottish tap water (very soft) and still do chemical checks on my water ever few weeks. It is amazing how the water changes over the course of a year and I change my water change routine to suit.

But, as Barb says it sounds like swim bladder.  I have heard of some people having success by removing them to another tank and varying the water levels quickly by taking water out and puttin it back in.  Can't see how it would work myself as the pressure remains the same if they are floating on the surface.  But I suppose anything is worth a try.  I have one of my wife's original livebearers which has a similar problem but she reamins on the bottom .. she does a similar thing though and sits in the bubble wall, as become a routine of hers and she develops enough of a buoyancy to 'be there' when the food comes in.  Thought she was gonna die months ago but is still going strong.

If it is a tumor though, there is nothing you can do, I have lost one recently to that and you do feel helpless.  Hope all goes well with you.

Al