Alkalinity & Nitrate Drop

[eraml]

Have noticed over my last few tests that my Alk has dropped to 7.1/7.3 along with my Nitrates falling from 3-5 down to ~1
I have had my tank up for ~3.5 months now; been running protein skimmer and switched to Red Sea Salt (Blue Bucket) from IO Reef Crystals about 1-2 months now.

I am curious as to what may have caused this to happen? The Salt change?
Should I dose to bring my Alk back up?
Why has my Calcium remained fairly steady and not dropped as much with the Alk?

Using Hana Checkers for Alk/CA/PHOS

 

[SPR1968]

It might be the salt change as far as alkalinity is concerned, but you just need to dose whatever your using to keep the alkalinity stable, same with any other elements. A good target is around 8-8.5dKH as that gives you a little room in case it drops.

You also have to take into account possible test error as well, there only ‘hobby grade’ test kits many of them

The nitrate drop could simply be because of water changes

 

[eraml]

I am thinking it was the change in salt as well. I am currently not dosing anything, just weekly water changes - just added coral.
Will be looking to add two part dosing - that should raise my Alk correct?