Air Stone
 

Just bought an air stone from my LHBS for around $36. For just the stone, is that worth it or should I get one online for a fraction of the price?

Should've looked at the price before I left.

You can use a stone instead of a stir plate, but you need to invest in a sterile air filter ~$5 on midwest and a aquarium air pump from your favorite mega mart.

You can get one from William's Brewing, on a 22" stainless wand for $35

You can also find just the stone for under $20... Northern Brewer has them for about $14. You can even get one from More Beer with 1/4" MFL threads for almost $15...

So, to answer your question, IMO, you got ripped...

BTW, bschot, stirplates are best/better for starters, air stones make oxygenation of the wort (for the batch of beer) far easier, faster, and you can get much higher PPM of O2 than otherwise.

I agree. If it was $36 for just the air stone, not with a sterile Filter and aquarium pump you paid too much. I but just an air stone from a local homebrew shop for $12.50. I then ordered from Williams a disposable oxygen regulator for $19.99. Don't know why I waited SO long to buy this setup. My fermentation's have been drastically "stronger" and more complete. =)

This.

Air stone returned today.

My hero. Love this post.