Low numbers sadly don’t mean no algae. The statement most wilder used is to keep the numbers down to discourage algae growth.I've read the same thing as you are saying. I'll double check my parameters. The nuisance algae points to excessive nutrients, even though my testing shows 0 Phosphates and 1 to 3 nitrates (under 5). I know that's because the algae is consuming the nutrients, so that's why the numbers look low, but I swear I'm not over feeding. Could the excess nutrients be coming from having too many soft coral, ie....die off? My hammer is up against my zoas, and I'm thinking that some coral warfare is going on. I run a protein skimmer, and clean my filters and do 10% water changes religiously.
IMO , nutrients mean nothing to corraline algae growth. I’ve had high and low numbers over the years.