How can you get rid of an algae bloom in a 55 gallon cichlid aquarium?

If you were following the basic rules you would probably not have an algae bloom. The basic rules for keeping any fish successfully are as follows. 1 inch of fish must have at least 1 gallon of water. Every tank must have a permanently running 'cycled' filter. Every tank must have at least 50% of its water replaced every week. As well as all the above, try a major water change or two in quick succession (1 day apart) and cut down the amount of time the tank is lit.