We decided to put the sump in the basement.  We made this decision for a number of reasons, but mostly for noise and temperature control.  We figure that having the sump in the basement will eliminate a number of problems, but we're finding that it's also *adding* problems - mostly in the form of the cost of pumbing 1800gph of water up 11' of head, and heating ~300gph in the winter in a (mostly) unheated basement.
Still, for the most part, we love it.  It certainly makes changing water easy.

The sump is a 100 gallon Rubbermaid "stock tank".  The skimmer is inside the sump, as is the DIY Calcium Reactor.  The sump is partitioned, and contains approximately 150lbs of live rock. 

 
Just sitting and waiting to be put to use!
The left side of the sump cabinet frame. 
The top left of the sump cabinet frame.
This is the frame of the sump cabinet - as you can see, the cabinet will also function as a floor support.. 
The frame of the sump cabinet/
Left side wall finished
Sump cabinet completed with front open...
Cabinet with front closed...gotta love mini blinds.  :-)
Sequence 3500 SEQ21-SW
The pump in its position in the sump cabinet with some of the plumbing attached.
Intake vent for the pump - so it breaths cool air from outside the sump cabinet.
Dexter's Laboratory.  :-)
The Tornado 4-stage RO/DI unit.
Looking up toward the ceiling in the sump cabinet.
 Live Fiji rock in the sump.
Tank plumbing
 Flex PVC from pump to display tank.
 3-Way "Y" underneath display tank (in cabinet) to three return lines to tank.
 Picture of drain & return.
Left drain line. 
Updated picture of sump taken March 28, 2003
Nilsen (kalk) Reactor
Picture of sump also showing 40g Frag tank, and 70g refugium
View from the right side, showing the refugium

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