It is quite easy to monitor total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and other inorganic N species and to adjust the carbon addition so as to avoid excessive nitrogen or carbon application levels.
Control of sludge
Accumulation of sludge and the generation of anaerobic pockets is a common cause for failure of BFT ponds. The anaerobic reactions lead to the release of toxic compounds, affecting both fish and microbial reactions. The accumulation of sludge should be monitored, preferably by getting into the pond. An increase of nitrite concentration is often an indication of the existence of anaerobic pockets.
Preventing sludge accumulation or correcting un-desired accumulation can be done by adjustment of aerators location and types.
Closing the cycle of sludge accumulation depends on the potential uses or disposal of the sludge. Most probably there will be more detailed environmental regulation of that matter. A few possible uses of the sludge, such as fertilization and amelioration of agricultural soils (sludge of salty ponds may be a problem unless washed out of salinity), feeding of fish in adjacent extensive ponds or use in mixtures for the construction of levees or dykes are suggested. More research on this matter is needed.
According to worldwide farm experience, BFT is a way to grow shrimp in a profitable way, saving in investment and maintenance and lowering disease outbreaks.