From what I have seen, the materials you get at a home supply store is the same as what you get at the lfs, the difference being that you can buy the lengths you want instead of what they have on the display. Vinyl tubing is vinyl tubing, whether it be from Lowes or from PetSmart. If you are looking for tubing for a CO2 system, then Lowes is the better option since you shouldnt use the vinyl tubing for that purpose. I have used the stuff from Lowe's without any problems and saved myself a few $$ in the process.