Apparatus and methods for applying fluid to slides are disclosed. The apparatus includes a partitioned vessel having a cavity and a sub-cavity that receives fluid, a slide carrier that receives at least one slide in an area corresponding to the sub-cavity, and a transport that positions the slide carrier to position the at least one slide at least partially within the sub-cavity of the partitioned vessel. Fluid is applied to the slides by partitioning the vessel to include a sub-cavity, filling the sub-cavity with fluid, and positioning the at least one slide into fluid filled sub-cavity.