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I don’t recall ever reading that mats form in response to a lack of food. Rather mats form as a consequence of good conditions. High density, fast growing microorganisms need a heavy supply of nitrogen and phosphate, removal of oxygen and supply of CO2. Microorganisms typically disperse when nutrients become scarce.Exactly - they have to seek it in another place when the left over in the water column gone away. In sediments or in organic matter. But it cost energy and it is easier to get P and N in the water column but if it is empty there - they form mats and get their nutrients from sediments (even inorganic) and from organic matter . The mats - the secret is mostly hydrocarbons from the photosynthesis - giving carbon to the bacteria working below the mats and to the cyanobacteria IMO. The mat forming bacteria is always present - the mats not. If you can repeat your test with PO4 and minerals in the water but only get mat forming when you ad amino acids - you have got something - but use F/2 solution this time (with and without inorganic N)
A good sign that it takes time
Sincerely Lasse