I'd suggest using the high range pH test unless your pH hovers around mid 6's. The high range goes down to 7.4 so I find it's a better test when your pH hovers in the low/mid 7's.
I'm not a fan of carbon, but some do like to use it. If you have plants, be aware that carbon does remove trace elements from the water, so that's something to consider. If you want to polish the water, I'd suggest using poly-fil.
Here's a link to a profile (of sorts) that I did on carbon: