Hence the need for a tripod
Not necessarily, since most of our lighting setups on the tanks allow enough light to "stop" the shot. If shutter was lower than say 1/250 or so, or no "image stabilization" in the lens, than for sure tripod would be a must.
You guys are doing a phenomenal job for just starting out!! Keep snapping away and absorb all the info you read, it's evident you are soaking in all the info. Your shots are showing it!