You must monitor your tanks test levels over the establishment period to determine if it has cycled. Have you done any tests for nitrites/nitrates, pH, KH?
I am a newbie, and seeded my tank with live sand - that is dead sand with live sand on top. I monitored my test levels, and also waited until there was a good amount of brown algae covering my sand before I introduced fish.
Generally speaking, small tanks are a little more difficult than the larger ones based on the limited capacities, and the smaller room for error. My humble opinion? Wait a little longer, until you have more algae growth. And if you haven't, have the lfs test your water. With a small, new tank, the extra wait might make a big deal.