A system for distributing fluid to a printhead, the system having a printhead a first fluid container and a second fluid container for distributing fluid from the first container to the printhead, the second container having a body for containing the fluid to a predetermined capacity, an inlet connected to the first container, a valve at the inlet, and an outlet connected to the printhead, wherein the valve is operated so that the valve is closed when the body contains fluid at the predetermined capacity and is open when fluid is distributed to the printhead via the outlet.