Filter to get the BLUE out

I have a fairly new Olympus Stylus 400 withi the PT-016 housing for underwater photography. I am new to taking pictures underwater and really have no desire to be a professional - just looking for quality vacation shots etc. After using the camera for a little while diving I have figured out the best shots come when I am VERY close and VERY still and of course the subject I am shooting does not move. My first question is how to get the blue out (I suppose through a filter?) attached to the housing when I shoot further away. My next question is would a strobe or external light source have a significant benefit and if so what way. Finally any other simply tips to get BASIC shots. Not looking to spend a lot of money either.

Thanks

Attached is one shot that DID come out prety well

From one forum newbie to another, welcome to wetpixel, trigeek.

I think you've already learned the biggest lesson in UW photography: get close. If choosing between a filter and a strobe, I'd go with a strobe (of course I've never used a filter). I know there are plenty of smaller, less powerful, more economical strobes available. One that springs to mind is the Sea & Sea YS-25DX. Compared to other high-end strobes, its both small and inexpensive. I know there plenty other "economy" strobes available. I'd also look into Ikelite, Inon, and Epoque to see what they offer in your price range.

You'll probably also have to mount the strobe to your housing using a tray/strobe arms and have some sort of synch chord to fire the strobe, so allow for those considerations when you do start looking.