AquaNotes is not needed to program the unit, it's just making it so you can make changes on your computer instead of the unit. So might be a little quicker or easier, but not required to get any more functions out of the unit. The control display can do everything you need. That's about as technical as I know on the units, so not sure about data log or backup etc. I would check with neptune support when they get back.
On the PH Fluid, we actually didn't notice that before. You do not normally get fluid. We are going to include a packet of 7 & 10 from now on when a ph probe is purchased.
thanks