Forum Spam problem and database error too many connections
 

Ok first off spammers are the scum of the earth. I have had to clear a multitude of spam from my forum before i've even officially launched it today.
My first question is what is the best way to reduce spammer registering. I'm looking at spam-o-matic but what changes should i make in vbulletin too that is easy to implement and won't hold up true forum users from registering?

I also got a database error email come through last night, i've been on this morning and everything looks ok i think but not sure if any damage has been done.

vBulletin Database Error!

Database error in vBulletin:

mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]: Too many connections
/home/******/public_html/website.com/includes/class_core.php on line 317

Script .................usercp.php
referrer ...............usercp.php

What is this saying? Is it simply because i was hammered by spammers or if there another reason i should be looking at?

Thanks,

Paul