that could very well be a limiting factor. since they're more of a shore line species (as opposed to reef) and the shore is natures skimmer cup, it's safe to assume they prefer higher levels of nutrients, but no more so than caulerpas, mermaid fan, etc..
they grow in the same area, they just don't get exposed at low tide all that often.
it's also possible that if there were any other macro algae present in the fuge, they were more effecient at processing the nutrients and starved the ulva. it also appreciates a bit more light than most macros.
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