Experimental data of the total cell reaction resistance as a function of the total electrolyte filling degree was measured to investigate how more electrolyte initially may be added to get as long a cell lifetime as possible. The reaction resistance of each electrode was also measured using two gas compositions and various total electrolyte filling degrees. A theoretical model for the distribution of electrolyte between the anode and the cathode as a function of the total electrolyte filling degree was used to compare the experimental data in this study with data from a symmetrical cell setup. The model takes into account the electrode pore-size distributions and considers two cases for the contact angle between the electrode and the electrolyte for the anode: a zero wetting angle (fully wetted) or reported experimental values for the wetting angle on pure Ni. It was concluded that after the cathode initially has been sufficiently filled with electrolyte the anode pores have to be smaller than the remaining ones of the cathode to allow having the anode act as a reservoir to prolong cell lifetime. The results from the experimental data and the theoretical model for electrolyte distribution were compared with results from a symmetrical setup. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.