low alkalinity

[makana]

I was aware that calcium and alk go hand in hand. From what I have read my calcium seems in the normal range but I read many posts that said in an aquarium alk should never go lower than 8 so I was a little concerned.

I also read that low alk is caused by CO2 wich can be caused by poor water flow and the tank cycle so thats why I thought it might sort itself out.

But seeing as how there is nothing in my tank other than live rock, algea, and snails, what would be bringing down my alk? Or is this just the level of alk that my salt mix produces?

Should I be concerned down the road? If my alk is at the bottom of the scale with no coral will I be having problems when it comes time to add them?

Thanks for the help!