Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir for de-aerating a hydraulic fluid received therein. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is of a type including two chambers separated by an intermediate baffle with a central opening connecting the chambers. In the lower chamber, cyclonic flow may be used to separate the aerated fluid from the de-aerated or non-aerated fluid and may be assisted by an inverted velocity cone. In the upper chamber, there may be a second state nucleation device, such as a mesh screen, that assists in removing entrained gases from the fluid by providing points of for the gas to nucleate thereon or collect. Additionally, a distribution header may be located in the upper chamber that returns fluid from the upper chamber to the lower chamber via a connection of the header to the return port at an eductor.