Is there a way to get water to the top of a capillary tube so it forms a meniscus at the top?

Answer 1

Sure, just apply additional pressure at the bottom of the tube. However, if the water extends beyond the end of the tube, its shape is no longer a meniscus. Surface tension would cause the water to adhere and form a bubble at the top of the tube. When the bubble gets too big for surface tension to hold it together, it bursts and begins flowing down the outside of the tube.

Answer 2

If the tube was sufficiently narrow and short, capillary action would achieve this. However, in most real-world situations, gravity is too hard to overcome.