Database integration

[Floyd R Turbo]

I am looking for a mod for VB4.2. Not sure if there is one already out there that can handle this, or if I am going to have to put out a request for paid services, so I'm starting here.

I run an aquarium related forum that is mainly to support my product, which is a filter system known as an Algae Scrubber. What I wish to do is to be able to allow a user to start a thread that showcases their system, and also allows this particular user to enter various information about their system into a database.

I would like the users to be able to update the info at any time, which would add data points for historical tracking.

This database would be searchable by other users so that one could locate others with similar setups and/or problems, solutions, etc.

I am hoping the data could be "tied" to the thread somehow. Meaning, the most pertinent information would be repeated at the top of each page of that user's thread. If that's not possible, or too difficult, the database could be stand-alone and then just linked to in the user's signature or something.

Regardless, I am looking for a database that can handle a potentially large amount of data for each user's system. Basically I'm looking for the ability for the user to catalog every aspect of their system, and also catalog the progress of growth and condition of the inhabitants (fish, corals, invertebrates, etc) as well as note when items were added, removed, died, etc.

In case you're wondering "why", I am trying to determine commonalities and differences in conditions within user's systems that may indicate the responsiveness of the inhabitants in relation to the particular filtration systems that are in use in a more scientific fashion, rather than what has historically been more anecdotal and/or heresay, or information promoted by the manufacturer of a particular product/system.

To my knowledge, no one has really done something like this before. This is a project that will likely be long-term, with the data becoming increasingly more useful as time progresses.

So, if anyone knows of a standard mod that might fir the bill, please post a link. If this is something that sounds too complex and might require paid services, please give me your opinion as to why you think that is so. All input is greatly appreciated.

[In Omnibus]

This could be done with custom user fields. I don't know of a free modification that would accomplish this.

[Floyd R Turbo]

Custom user fields would give a current snapshot, sure, but not history of changes, etc. I didn't figure on there being a free mod of this nature, but perhaps an already developed package that I could be pointed to? If one does not exist, then I would have to have one made.