First time cleaning one of these

I just got my inline oxy stone/thermometer assembly http://morebeer.com/view_product/16613//Stainless_in-line_Oxygenation_Assembly and have a couple of questions for those who have one.

I have a march 809 pump and want to know if it will be strong enough to force PBW or StarSan through the pores of the stone if I close the downstream valve. Should I use a pressurized source to force sanitizer through it, like a corny keg?

Also, do you keep it packed with a sanitizer when not in use?

 

I boil my aeration stone. I can see your problem, though. I would recommend rinsing with the O2 running, then taking the thermometer out and boiling.