Sometimes I get development blotches on one side of the negative. I *think* they are on the top side of the tank. Are these due to insufficient chemistry?
Could be insufficient chemistry, or more likely air bubbles trapped at the top of the reel. Do you tap the tank on your work surface after filling with developer to dislodge the bubbles?
Scrub your reels, in case there is any residue on them.
And try a bit more developer - just don't put too much in. There should be air space room for slosh and gurgle.