Extremely worried owner-- help??

[Mintee]

Today I went to my local walmart and bought some river rocks. I washed them thoroughly, and placed them on one half of the tank for my axolotl. (Walmart's so cheap, the only river rocks filled only half of my tank! haha)

Now my axolotl seems incredibly stressed, his gills almost pointing forward (not sure if the filter's waterfall is doing this or not) and when he sits there and watches me his body has a slight curve to it. (again, not sure if it's the filter.)

I really just want the best for my axolotl, how can I help him?

Thanks!
Robby.

*Edit*
I just threw a red worm in there with him, and now he's as happy as can be.

He was just mad that he didn't get a house-warming gift! haha

 

[Jennewt]

How long has the tank been set up? How long has it had the same filter?

 

[Mintee]

How long has the tank been set up? How long has it had the same filter?

Actually, I just changed the filter last night. The tank was set up in the old bare-bottom floor for about a month and a half.

 

[Kaysie]

Why did you change the filter?

As for river-rock, this type of substrate tends to trap copious amounts of waste. You have to be very diligent about cleaning between ALL the rocks frequently.