Hmmm, I think most of the better pictures you'll see on RF were taken without flash.
Tripod, Tripod, Tripod!! A stable platform is VERY important. Especially if you're using a slower shutter speed.
Camera perpendicular to tank so there's no distortion from glass.
Tank lights on, room lights off so there's no reflection of room on glass.
To get the best quality, turn off all circulation pumps so water is still.
Custom white balance!! Our tanks have unusual lighting. Most cameras auto white balance or the few set white balance settings that are provided aren't smart enough to figure out our strange lighting. Setting a custom white balance, based on your lighting, will give you the most accurate color.
VERY clean glass.
In the photography forum, there's LOTS of great information about photography techniques. In that forum, you'll also find some amazing photos. You'll soon realize who are the photo gurus here on RF. Seek out their advice or read their threads where they usually offer advice.
One other...practice practice practice. Take LOTS of pics and hope to get a few good ones. Post pics in the photography forum for critique and advice.
To make offering advice easier, what camera equipment are you currently using? Become very familiar with all your camera's features. Learn about it's custom settings, how to adjust shutter speed, focus points and aperture. Learn how these settings work and why and how they effect light, color and focus. Oh and never apologize. There's NOTHING "basic" about aquarium photography. It's a lot different than other photography!!
